Impacto da má oclusão na autoestima e na experiência de bullying em crianças e adolescentes em idade escolar: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

This study aims to map the available evidence on the impacts of malocclusion on self-esteem and the experience of bullying in school-aged children and adolescents. An electronic search was conducted in nine databases, including grey literature. Observational studies investigating the association between malocclusion characteristics, self-esteem, and bullying in school-aged children and adolescents were included, with no restrictions on publication year or language. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools for analytical cross-sectional and case-control studies. The electronic search identified 3,412 records, of which 20 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The studies were published between 2010 and 2024. One included study presented a high risk of bias. Among the studies investigating self-esteem, three found no association between malocclusion and students' selfesteem levels, while five studies did not relate malocclusion to bullying cases. Malocclusion may negatively affect adolescents' self-esteem, particularly when dissatisfaction with dental aesthetics is present. Specific characteristics, such as increased overjet and dental crowding, are associated with a higher risk of bullying.