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- Title
"Why, why, why do I have such big teeth, why?" Low socio-economic status and access to orthodontic treatment.
- Authors
L., Smith; L., Wong; R., Phemister; K., Blanch; H., Jack; P., Fowler; J., Antoun; Foster Page, L.
- Abstract
Background and objectives: A malocclusion has negative impacts on an adolescent's quality of life. Wish For a Smile (WFAS) is a New Zealand health initiative in which orthodontists provide heavily subsidised orthodontic treatment for adolescents whose parents/guardians are unable to afford it. This study documents the impact of a malocclusion on the lives of 151 adolescents who successfully applied for treatment through the WFAS, and the reasons why they/their parent or guardian desired orthodontic treatment. It also reports how not being able to afford orthodontic care impacted on them. Methods: As part of the application process, adolescents and a parent/guardian have to write letters to the WFAS explaining why they desire orthodontic treatment. A descriptive analysis of 151 successful application letters (written between 2012 and 2015 inclusive) was undertaken. Results: Over half of the adolescents mentioned how their malocclusion was affecting their social relationships. More than half reported hiding their mouth in social spaces and half reported being bullied. Parent/guardians also mentioned feeling sad/bad, or "heartbroken" about the emotional toll that a malocclusion and/or peer bullying was having on their child. Many also expressed feeling a sense of failure because of their inability to afford orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: A malocclusion can have a negative impact on the physical health, peer relationships and self-esteem of adolescents, as well as the self-concept of parents/guardians who are unable to afford the orthodontic treatment that their child desires.
- Subjects
NEW Zealand; ORTHODONTICS; TREATMENT of malocclusion; TEETH; SOCIOECONOMIC factors; ADOLESCENCE
- Publication
New Zealand Dental Journal, 2018, Vol 114, Issue 2, p64
- ISSN
0028-8047
- Publication type
Article