Dento-facial aesthetics in the eyes of adolescent patients during the Covid-19 pandemic

Introduction: Dental malocclusions are considered a major issue in adolescence, and are often the main reason for which patients go to the dentist. Adolescents´ option to start an orthodontic treatment is questioned in the light of the restrictions imposed in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess adolescents’ perceptions of facial aesthetics and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the decision to start an orthodontic treatment during this time, when a number of restrictions, such as face mask wearing, were imposed.
Material and methods: A 15 items questionnaire was applied in the city of Oradea, Romania and distributed to orthodontic adolescent patients, with a previously diagnosed malocclusion, with ages between 12 and 17.9 years. The questionnaires were correctly filled in by 76 participants.
Results: Patients tend to be affected by the aspect of their teeth (50%), and most patients considered that the aspect of their teeth forces them to socialize less (44.8%), and to avoid smiling (44.8%). 39.4% of the respondents considered that wearing a face mask is useful because it covers all dental malocclusions, and 31.6% of the respondents were not bothered that they had to wear a face mask.
Conclusions: Patients declared that they were affected by the aspect of their teeth, and have a generally positive attitude regarding face masks.