Influence of personality traits on a patient's decision to accept orthognathic surgery for correction of dentofacial deformity

Objectives To investigate the influence of personality traits in addition to quality of life (QoL) on the decision to accept orthognathic surgery. Materials and Methods A total of 108 patients (68% female) aged 14–53 years (median, 18 years; interquartile range, 17–25.75 years), with skeletal malocclusions of Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need grades 3–5 (moderate to very great need for surgery) were included in this cross-sectional study. Personality traits of extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, consciousness, perfectionism, and self-esteem and dimensions of Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire were compared between patients who accepted orthodontic preparation for orthognathic surgery and those who refused (n = 55 vs 53). Results Patients who accepted the suggested surgical procedure had higher age, perfectionism, facial esthetic (FE) concern, social aspect, and impairment of oral function (OF) as well as lower self-esteem with small to medium effect sizes (P ≤ .040; r = 0.198–0.399). Other personality traits and awareness of dentofacial deformity did not differ between the groups. In multiple logistic regression analysis, while controlling for sex, perfectionism, and self-esteem, the following predictors of acceptance of orthognathic surgery were higher: FE concern (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–9.1), OF (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.0–8.6), and age ≥18 years (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0–7.1; P < .001). Conclusions Extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness do not significantly affect a patient's decision to accept orthognathic surgery. The influence of self-esteem and perfectionism is primarily on perception of alteration of QoL induced by dentofacial deformity.