The influence of orthodontic treatment on patients’ self-esteem: an aesthetic and orthodontic perspective (a quantitative study using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale)

Аннотация

This quantitative study examines how orthodontic treatment alters patients’self-esteem from both aesthetic and psychosocial perspectives. A cohort of 120 individuals aged 14-35years with moderate to severe malocclusion completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale immediately before appliance placement and again upon treatment completion (mean duration = 18 months). Paired-sample analyses revealed a statistically significant increase in overall self-esteem scores (p < 0.001), with the greatest gains observed in participants presenting the most pronounced initial irregularities. Post-treatment, patients reported higher satisfaction with facial appearance and greater social confidence, indicating that the psychosocial benefits of orthodontic care extend beyond functional and aesthetic improvements. These findings underscore the value of integrating psychological considerations into treatment planning and support a holistic, patient-centred approach in contemporary orthodontics.