Comparing a quality of life measure and the aesthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) in assessing orthodontic treatment need and concern

Abstract

Introduction: The aims of the study were to examine the relationship between examiner and child aesthetic component (AC) of the index of orthodontic need (IOTN) and the child perception questionnaire (CPQ), and to establish the validity of the IOTN AC or CPQ scores with respect to how bothered the child is by his or her teeth and how upset the child would be if unable to receive orthodontic treatment. Method and material: The sample comprised 174 untreated school children (mean age 11.7 years) selected from 10 schools in Bristol, United Kingdom. An examiner independently scored each child for the AC. The CPQ (a component of the child oral-health quality of life questionnaire) is aimed at children aged 11 to 14 years and consists of 37 questions answered on 5-point Likert scales. Results: The AC scores as rated by the examiner and the child had a modest correlation; the children tended to give themselves significantly lower scores than did the examiner. A very low but statistically significant correlation was found between self-perceived AC scores and overall CPQ score. The examiner’s AC scores had lower correlation sections in the CPQ; the only section that had a significant correlation with the examiner’s AC was the emotional impact section. Conclusions: The CPQ has validity for children’s concerns with their teeth. The low association between the CPQ and the AC of the IOTN suggests that they might be measuring different attributes. The authors recommend a shift toward quality-of-life measures to supplement the IOTN in assessing the perceived need for orthodontic treatment.