Normative need for orthodontic treatment and perception of the need for such treatment among Brazilian adolescents

Ana Karla De Almeida Pinto Monteiro,Tássia Cristina De Almeida Pinto-Sarmento,Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia,Dmitry José De Santana Sarmento,Danilo Antônio Duarte,Michele Baffi Diniz

doi:10.1590/2177-6709.22.3.041-046.oar

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the normative need for orthodontic treatment and the perception of such need among students aged 11-14 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 346 students, randomly selected from public and private schools. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used to evaluate the normative need for orthodontic treatment (NNOT). The perceived need for treatment among students was assessed by a previously validated questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Pearson’s Chi-squared test (α = 5%). Results: The prevalence of malocclusion and NNOT was 65.6%. Of the sample, 73.7% felt they needed treatment, 66.2% wanted orthodontic treatment and 62.7% were satisfied with their dental aesthetics. A statistically significant association was observed between NNOT and the perception of the need for treatment among the students (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a high prevalence of malocclusion, which was reflected in the high normative need for orthodontic treatment. The opinion of patients regarding their expectations of orthodontic treatment should be valued. The students perceived a need for orthodontic treatment.

Highlights

The need for orthodontic treatment can be determined by objective or normative evaluations
The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) is a quantitative index which is recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO), and is considered the most frequently used tool in literature.[7]
An association was observed between the perceived need for orthodontic treatment by the students and the evaluation of a normative need for treatment

Summary

Introduction

The need for orthodontic treatment can be determined by objective or normative evaluations. When based only on occlusal indices, the subjective perception of the patient has been ignored in the planning of treatment.[1] Such indices are utilized to assess the severity of malocclusion and the normative need for orthodontic treatment (NNOT).[2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10] The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) is a quantitative index which is recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO), and is considered the most frequently used tool in literature.[7]. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the normative need for orthodontic treatment and the perception of this need by students aged 11-14 years

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion