The study reports the influence of dental malocclusion and orthodontic problems on ‘Social Phobia (Shyness)’ and ‘Self-Esteem’ of male and female subjects.
A total of 240 subjects (120 male and 120 females) were selected for the study having orthodontic problems (age 15-25 years) and were divided into 6 groups (one control and five experimental groups), based on the severity and the effect of malocclusion on facial appearance. Coopersmith’s Self-esteem scales (1986) and Crozier’s Shyness scales (1995) were employed to find out the level of self-perception and social phobia influencing social conduct.
Results revealed that orthodontic problems had a significant influence over subjects’ social phobia and self-esteem. Higher the degree of dental malocclusion, more was the social phobia and lesser the self-esteem. In essence, the BEAUTIFUL, were indeed BOLD in their social conduct and vice-versa. The study comprehensively indicates that orthodontic therapy not only influences the appearance of a person, but also manifests changes in his personality, that are positive.