Citation

Scheffel DL, Jeremias F, Fragelli CM, dos Santos-Pinto LA, Hebling J, de Oliveira OB. Eur. J. Dent. 2014; 8(1): 124-128.

Affiliation

Department of Restorative Dentistry, Araraquara School of Dentistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Humaitá, 1680, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Dental Investigations Society)

DOI

10.4103/1305-7456.126266

PMID

24966759

Abstract

Facial esthetics, including oral esthetics, can severely affect children's quality-of-life, causing physical, social and psychological impairment. Children and adolescents with esthetic-related dental malformations are potential targets for bullies. This study was aimed to present and discuss patients who suffered from bullying at school and family environment due to esthetic-related teeth anomalies. Providing an adequate esthetic dental treatment is an important step in their rehabilitation when the lack of esthetic is the main source of bullying. After dental treatment, we noted significant improvement in self-esteem, self-confidence, socialization and academic performance of all patients and improvement in parental satisfaction regarding the appearance of their children. It is imperative that both family and school care providers be constantly alert about bullying in order to prevent or interrupt aggressive and discriminatory practices against children and adolescents. Clearly, dental anomalies may be a motive for bullying.

Language: en