Personality traits in adolescence and satisfaction with orthodontic treatment in young adulthood.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether personality traits are associated with satisfaction with orthodontic treatment by age 26. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted with 1,037 individuals, one-third of whom had received orthodontic treatment by age 26. A comprehensive personality assessment was conducted at age 18 using the multidimensional personality questionnaire. At age 26, orthodontic outcome was rated as either 'Excellent', 'Pretty good', 'Fair' or 'Poor'. RESULTS: Those who were less satisfied (rating their treatment outcome as 'Fair' or 'Poor') scored lower on the personality traits of control and social closeness, and higher on stress reactivity. Individuals with low scores on social closeness were twice as likely (Odds ratio: 2.07) to be less satisfied with their orthodontic result. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who are impulsive, stress-reactive or socially isolated are more likely to be disappointed with their orthodontic outcome. Pretreatment knowledge about certain aspects of personality might be useful to practising orthodontists.