Quality of Life in Children with Skeletal Malocclusion after Myofunctional Therapy—A Questionnaire Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives  Growing children with jaw discrepancies, particularly in the anterior region, may require orthodontic management to improve aesthetics, oral health, and dental function. Growing children with skeletal malocclusions self-perception of his or her current oral health status and its impact on his or her quality of life are of prime importance that is often neglected. Hence, this study aims to compare emotional and social wellness in children with skeletal malocclusion before and after myofunctional therapy through a prevalidated child perception questionnaire (CPQ). Materials and Methods  Fifty young growing patients with skeletal or dental malocclusion between the age group of 8 and 13 years were included in this study. A preoperative close-ended CPQ 8 to 10 and CPQ 11 to 14 questionnaires were given to the selected children to assess their social and emotional status due to malocclusion. A postoperative close-ended CPQ 8 to 10 and CPQ 11 to 14 questionnaire were given to assess any psychosocial improvement in children after myofunctional therapy. Results  An overall improvement was shown in social and emotional well-being of the children using the CPQ, which clearly indicates that growing children with skeletal malocclusion needs to get themselves corrected at the earliest so that their quality of life improves and they become more confident in the society. Conclusions  Myofunctional therapy has a positive impact in quality of life of children with skeletal malocclusion by enhancing their social and emotional wellness