ABSTRACT

It is a well known fact that the psychological factors are related to orthodontic malocclusions and orthodontic treatment enhances self-confidence and contributes to personal characteristics of patients. This study aimed to define the changes in psychological conditions of the patients throughout 1 year time and to determine the correlation between different psychological parameters. The subjects for this study were 40 patients who requested to have orthodontic treatment and 40 patients who had been receiving treatment for 1 year. The subjects filled in the psychological questionnaire and personal information form which were prepared to examine the 3 parameters including fear, anxiety, and self esteem. The statistical evaluation of the study was performed using Pearson correlation analysis and t-test on computer with SPSS package program. It was found that the high trait and state anxiety parameters returned to normal after 1 year treatment period while there were no changes at self-esteem and fear parameters during treatment. In addition, a negative correlation was found to exist between self-esteem and fear and a positive correlation between fear and anxiety. As a result, affirmative changes were observed in all psychological parameters throughout the period. However, determination of the stability and long term changes of these data call for further follow-up studies.