Introduction: Mandibular prognathism, also called progenia, is a type of anterior malocclusion that has negative effects on physical and mental health.
The aim of the study was to determine differences in the selfimage of people with mandibular prognathism before and after orthognathic surgery.
Materials and methods: The study included 155 people – 79 of whom had a mandibular prognathism (group A) and 76 of whom had a previous mandibular prognathism that had already been corrected by surgery (group B). The research method used was a diagnostic survey that included original questions about wellbeing, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Results: Group A statistically significantly more often experienced feelings of frustration, lower self-confidence, embarrassment, concern about appearance, especially when meeting new people, and lack of comfort due to their appearance being the center of attention than group B. People in group A were statistically significantly more likely to avoid smiling or laughing in company, to hide a smile in pictures, to avoid looking at themselves in the mirror, to compare their appearance to others, and to avoid meetings due to dissatisfaction with their appearance than were people in group B. People in group A were statistically significantly less likely to preferably rate the general appearance of the face, the profile of the face, the appearance of the face from the front, and the appearance of the teeth than were people in group B. People in group A were statistically significantly less likely to preferably rate the general appearance of the face, the profile of the face, the appearance of the face from the front, and the appearance of the teeth than were people in group B.
Conclusions: Orthognathic surgery is a very important factor affecting the psyche of people with prognathism. People with mandibular prognathism before orthognathic surgery experience more negative feelings about their appearance, more often engage in behaviors aimed at concealing a malocclusion, and rate their appearance worse than people who have undergone orthognathic surgery. In view of this, comprehensive medical care, including psychological care, should be provided before, during, and after surgery.
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