The mental health of young and middle-aged orthodontic patients follows a dynamic trajectory associated with a combination of sociodemographic and clinical factors, with female gender, student status, unmarried status, and severe malocclusion as risk factors, while strong social support is protective.
Mental health scores among orthodontic patients showed a significant temporal trend across the 15-month treatment period.
Female gender was associated with significantly higher psychological distress scores in orthodontic patients.
Student status and unmarried status were each independently associated with poorer mental health outcomes.
Higher monthly household income and higher educational attainment were associated with lower psychological distress scores.
Severe malocclusion (Class III) was associated with significantly higher psychological distress compared to less severe presentations.
Social support was identified as a significant protective factor against psychological distress in orthodontic patients.
A propensity score matching approach was used to establish a balanced control cohort for comparison.
This research suggests that the mental health of people undergoing orthodontic (braces) treatment is not static — it changes over time in predictable patterns across a 15-month treatment course. Researchers followed 154 young and middle-aged patients in China, measuring their psychological distress and social support at eight different points during treatment. They found that certain groups of patients consistently experienced more psychological distress: women, students, unmarried individuals, and those with more severe teeth misalignment (Class III malocclusion). In contrast, patients with higher incomes, more education, and stronger social support systems tended to have better mental health throughout treatment. The finding that social support acts as a protective factor is particularly notable, as it is a potentially changeable factor — meaning that encouraging family and community support during orthodontic treatment could help buffer against psychological distress. The severity of the dental problem itself (Class III malocclusion) also independently worsened mental health, suggesting that the physical challenge of more complex cases adds psychological burden beyond just the treatment process. This research suggests that orthodontic care providers should not only focus on the physical aspects of treatment but also consider the mental well-being of their patients, particularly those who belong to higher-risk groups. Routine psychological monitoring and personalized support strategies — especially for female patients, students, those without partners, and those with severe malocclusion — could improve both the treatment experience and overall well-being during what can be a lengthy and physically noticeable medical process.
Miao X, Zhang Y, Xiong B, Liang M. (2026). A longitudinal study on the mental health status of young and middle-aged orthodontic patients.. Acta odontologica Scandinavica. https://doi.org/10.2340/aos.v85.46107