EVALUATION OF IMPACT OF COMBINED ORTHODONTIC AND ORTHOGNATHIC TREATMENT PROCEDURES ON THE LIFE QUALITY OF PATIENTS WITH SKELETAL MALOCCLUSION

Background: The number of patients undergoing combined orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery is increasing. Hence, this study aimed to examine the impact of combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment procedures on the life quality of patients with skeletal malocclusion. Materials and methods: 15 patients who had to undergo combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment procedures were subjected to 22-item Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire customised for the study. The questions were grouped into 4 domains – aesthethic, awareness, pschyological and social domains. They were assessed in three time lines - rst when they are explained and made aware of the treatment plan (T0), T1 when the orthodontic treatment is almost complete, and the patient is made ready for orthognathic surgery, then 6 months after the completion of the combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgery (T2). Results: Out of 15 patients, 9 were females and 6 were males between the age of 18-25 years. As the treatment progressed changes were noted in the patient's attitude. During T1 signicant change was observed in functional outcome – chewing. At T2 signicant changes were observe in esthetic, functional, social and psychological components (p<0.001). The treatment outcome did create a positive change in the patients by correcting their skeletal and dental abnormalities. Conclusion: The esthetic, functional, social and psychological outcomes of patients who have undergone combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatments are better post operatively.