Shaikh, AGordon, Carmen Tracey2023-08-142024-06-042023-08-142024-06-042023https://hdl.handle.net/10566/15873>Magister Scientiae - MScThis study aimed to determine whether fixed orthodontic treatment impacts on the oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescents aged 11-16 years. Oral health determinants, as well as demographic and psychosocial factors, may have an impact on oral health-related quality of life. This study explored whether sociodemographic and clinical factors impacted the emotional and social well-being of participants and whether these participants experienced any functional limitation at the start of treatment (T0) and 6-8 months later (T1). Materials and methodology: A prospective study design was applied, within the orthodontic clinics at Mitchell’s Plain and Tygerberg Oral Health Centre’s. A cohort of eighty-three adolescent participants receiving fixed orthodontic treatment was evaluated for oral health – related quality of life. All participants completed a set of validated questionnaires at baseline (T0), and then 6-8 months later (T1). Questionnaires included the Orthodontic Oral Health- Related Quality of Life Survey (OQoLAS₁₁₋₁₄) and a socioeconomic status (SES). The OQoLAS₁₁₋₁₄ measured the social, emotional and functional domains and the SES assessed the sociodemographic characteristics of participants’ and their caregiver; age, sex, educational level, employment status and combined household income. In addition, the clinical assessment was done using the Dental Aesthetics Index (DAI) score card, in order to assess the complexity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need.enDental Aesthetic IndexMalocclusionOrthodontic applianceQuality of LifeUniversity of the Western Cape