OBJECTIVETo assess the relationship between malocclusions and self-esteem of adolescents.

METHODS344 subjects with normal occlusion and different types of malocclusion were classified into four groups by Angle's classification, (91 students in class I group, 93 students in class II group, 82 students in class III group, and 78 in normal group). 344 school students aged 12 to 18 years in Dalian were assessed one by one using the Children Self-Esteem Scale (CSES). The statistic analyses were performed with, single-factor analysis, multivariate linear regression and unconditional logistic regression.

RESULTSMalocclusions negatively affect self-esteem. Class II malocclusion has higher risk than class I and class III malocclusions. The patients with severe dentofacial deformity are at highest risk for low appearance self-esteem.

CONCLUSIONSMalocclusion negatively affects self-esteem of adolescents. Serious dentofacial deformity is the highest risk factor in the low appearance self-esteem.