Psychological evaluation of self-esteem among individuals before and after orthodontic treatment

: Facial esthetics plays a pivotal role in orthodontics. Orthodontics can alter a patient’s appearance. Various factors related to malocclusion have strong influences on perceptions of facial esthetics : The aim of the study is to assess the self-esteem of patients before and after orthodontic treatment. : A questionnaire consisting of 10 multiple choice questions were given to 33 patients with moderate to severe malocclusion seeking orthodontic treatment and the subjects had to mark “strongly agree”, ”agree”, ”disagree”, strongly disagree” aged 19-25 years and statistical analysis(Chi-square test) was carried out. : The results of the study showed improved self-esteem. : Mal-alignment is contemplated not as a dental issue, but is also related to healthy living. The self-esteem of the patients was significantly improved after orthodontic treatment because a smile plays an important part in facial expressions.