Malocclusion indices and their applications in public health: a review study

Abstract

Health indices are important to measurement of the presence and severity of diseases. The objective of this study was to perform a literature review about malocclusion indices and analyze their applications in the public health field. The research was performed by consulting Pubmed, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, Bireme and Embase databases, using the following terms: public health, epidemiological methods, indices, epidemiological surveys, preventive dentistry, malocclusion, and orthodontics. Publications on the development and use of malocclusion indices in clinical and epidemiological studies were included, without restrictions of methodology and language. Fifty-two indices and their variations were identified. Of these, most were intended for individual assessments and their use in public health was difficult due to the requirements for their application, including the need for specialists, plaster models analysis, complementary exams such as cephalometric radiographs and photographs, specific equipment, the need for longitudinal monitoring of cases, and exclusively objective or subjective assessments. Some malocclusion indices present positive aspects and partially evaluate physical, functional, psychological, and social conditions. However, it is still challenging to find a unanimous index that fulfills the requirements for assessing the severity, treatment need, and impact of malocclusions on the individual’s quality of life with applicability in public health.