Perfectionism, Self-Esteem, and Body Image Related to Self-Perception of Orofacial Appearance-Development and Validation of Psychometric Instrument

PURPOSE

To develop an instrument for the assessment of perception of orofacial appearance and psychologic issues that can affect people's judgment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A panel composed of five members (one psychologist, two prosthodontists, one orthodontist, and one final-year dental student) generated 31 items that could draw specific hypothetical dimensions. The questionnaire was self-administered by individuals attending local high schools and a university (n = 261; 26.4% men and 73.6% women) in the 14- to 28-year age range. Internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness, and temporal stability were assessed.

RESULTS

Factorial analysis and Cronbach alpha identified four dimensions (self-esteem, perfectionism, body image, and smile appearance concern) that could be best addressed using 17 items. Internal consistency was good (α in the .70 to .80 range). The dimensions were correlated with existing instruments that measure similar constructs. In responsiveness testing, tooth whitening did not induce changes in perfectionism or body image; however, it did increase self-esteem and decrease esthetic concern (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly created instrument, Orofacial Appearance Perception Questionnaire, is a consistent and reliable short instrument that measures psychologic issues related to the perception of orofacial appearance.

Self-Massage and Low-Level Laser in Treatment of Masseter Myalgia: Short-Term Effect

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to explore the efficiency of massage in the treatment of masseter myalgia compared with biostimulatory laser.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The instrument Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to select subjects and monitor treatment outcome. 54 subjects with masseter myalgia of more than 3 months in duration were invited to participated and 42 cases were available at the end and analyzed. Age range was 16-67 years (median 33, interquartile range 25-53), 36% subjects was ≥40 years and there were 62% females in both groups. Both treatment groups (self-massage and laser) had 21 participants and were monitored one months after the start of treatment. Age, gender, distress, somatization, catastrophizing, hypervigilance, health competence and oral parafunctions were also assessed as factors that could influence effectiveness of treatment.

RESULTS

Laser and massage are effective in reducing symptoms of chronic myalgia of the masseter in self-reported limitation of jaw function and reducing pain intensities (p<0.001). Increase of mouth opening was present in both groups, but mainly significant in laser group. The differences in the amount of change between groups were not significant. Psychological characteristics and parafunctions, present before the treatment, age and gender did not have major affect the effectiveness of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Both treatment modalities are effective in treatment of chronic myalgia in short-term.