Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study assessed the perception and attitude of Mongolians on malocclusion and compared the perceptions with researchers' perceptions on malocclusion, and this study aimed to determine factors influencing the self-perception of laypeople. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In addition, we evaluated the correlation between the subjective and objective perceptions of participants. In a random sample of 133 people (39.8% men and 60.2% women) aged 18-55 years, subjective perceptions were assessed using a questionnaire (oral aesthetic subjective impact scale), and objective perceptions were assessed using 10 intraoral frontal photographs of the aesthetic component of index of orthodontic treatment need (AC-IOTN) and six intraoral lateral photographs of the aesthetic component of lateral occlusion (AC-LO). RESULTS: A significant association was observed between participants' self-perception and researchers' ratings (P < 0.001). The appearance of teeth was significantly correlated with participants' self-rating by using AC-IOTN and AC-LO. Most people (74%) believed that well-aligned teeth improve the overall facial appearance. Sex, monthly income, and education level significantly influenced the self-perception of participants on malocclusion. CONCLUSION: Patients' perception and attitude cannot be overlooked because they are some of the crucial aspects of the entire treatment.