Gender differences in the association between malocclusion traits and oral health-related quality of life in Finnish adults

We aimed to evaluate the gender-specific associations of malocclusion traits with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Finnish adults. Data were obtained from the Health 2000 Survey, Finland. Included participants (n = 3993) were ≥30 years old with OHRQoL and occlusion data. OHRQoL was measured using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). OHIP-14 severity mean score, prevalence of impacts, and means of seven dimensions were outcomes. Explanatory variables were any malocclusion trait, increased overjet, negative overjet, open bite, deep bite, and crossbite/scissor bite. Logistic (prevalence) and cumulative (severity) regression models were adjusted for age, decayed teeth, deep periodontal pocket, occluding pairs, orthodontic treatment, and self-perceived health. Gender modified the association between any malocclusion trait and OHRQoL, with the association being stronger in females. Females without any malocclusion trait (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.14–2.28) or without crossbite/scissor bite (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.16–2.43) had better OHRQoL (lower prevalence) than those with malocclusions. Males without increased overjet (OR 1.50, 95% CI = 1.04–2.17) had lower mean OHIP-14 severity score than males with increased overjet, after adjustments. The association between psychological and physical disability and malocclusion traits was different between males and females. Gender differences in the impact of malocclusion traits should be considered when assessing orthodontic treatment need.