Orthodontic aesthetics: Motivation and life quality in adult patients

AIM: To discuss esthetic evaluation and planning to maximize the esthetic outcome of treatment for orthodontic and orthognatic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Were considered 50 adult patients after 4 years of orthodontic or surgical treatment. They were assessed to 30 subjects with same malocclusions, but without treatment. Adult patients who choose to undergo orthodontic or surgical treatment prefer esthetic improvement with their functional correction if possible. The issues of patient satisfaction and happiness are very complex because of matters such as patient expectation, self-assessment, and psychological and even psychiatric condition present before and after treatment. RESULTS: Assessing the relationship between the severity of the cephalometric measurement of dentofacial deformity and patient motivation for surgery, it was found that class II patients were significantly more motivated for orthodontic treatment than were class III patients. These patients, otherwise, were more motivated toward the orthognatic surgery. CONCLUSION: One of the contributing factors in patient satisfaction involves always the subjective evaluation of facial esthetics. Facial appearance considered ideal by one individual or group may not be judged so by others. One’s dental and facial appearance is important not only in the role that attractiveness plays to others but also in one’s self concept. Perception of esthetical appearance, particularly of the face, affects mental health and social behavior, with significant implications for educational and employment opportunities and make selection.