Impact of Metallic Brackets on Self-Perception of Orthodontic Patients

Background: The field of orthodontics has seen a drastic increase in patients demanding esthetic brackets. Metallic brackets have a negative impact on smile esthetics but their effects on orthodontic patients in terms of change in their self-perception, social interaction, confidence, experience of getting bullied have not been studied before. Objective: This study aims to see the patients’ real social and psychological experiences while undergoing orthodontic treatment with metallic brackets. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted for eight months at ABC Dental College, utilized 200 printed questionnaires that recorded data related to patients’ demographics, change in confidence, anxiety, experience of getting bullied, self-perception and social interaction after getting metallic brackets. Convenience sampling technique was used and patients who consented and had metallic brackets for at least 6 months were included. Data was analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 16.0) and reported in percentages. Result: The age range of the patients who participated was 12-40 (mean=26) years. The patients who felt shy were 64 (33.7%) while, 57 (30%) had their smile esthetics affected, 37 (19.4%) were bullied and 46 (24.2%) experienced negative impact on their self-perception after getting metallic brackets. However, 103 (54.2%) of the patients would have selected esthetic brackets if had a choice. Conclusion: Most of the patients felt good after having metallic brackets and their self-perception, confidence, and social standing did not get affected adversely. Though, most of them showed inclination towards esthetic brackets over metallic ones if given a choice.