Background and Aims: Despite the functional and aesthetic benefits, orthodontic treatment is often associated with pain and discomfort that can adversely affect patients’ quality of life. Given the growing emphasis on the patient-reported outcomes in clinical care, this study aimed to investigate the association between the pain intensity caused by orthodontic treatment and orthodontic-related quality of life in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment with a metallic MBT system (slot 0.022 inch) at a private clinic in Babol, Iran. A total of 85 patients aged 15–25 years were selected using convenience sampling. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Quality of life was evaluated using the persian version of the Orthodontic Quality of Life questionnaire, with a scoring range of 22 to 88. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS, with a significance level set at P<0.05.
Results: Among the participants, 72.9% were female, 68.2% were under the age of 20, and 31.8% were aged between 20 and 25 years. The mean pain score was 4.75 ± 1.91, and the mean Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) score was 37.95 ± 9.51. A significant negative correlation was found between the pain intensity and overall OHRQoL, as well as all of its subdomains (oral function, social impact, dentofacial aesthetics, and self-awareness of appearance) (P≤0.001). No statistically significant differences in pain or OHRQoL scores were observed based on gender or age group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Orthodontic pain has a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Early pain management strategies and supportive interventions during the initial phases of orthodontic treatment can enhance patients’ overall treatment experience and improve compliance.
