Dental Aesthetic Index Scores Research Articles

Orthodontic treatment need among special health care needs school children in Dharwad, India: A comparative study.

Objectives:The aim was to assess and compare the prevalence of orthodontic treatment need among various special health care needs (SHCN) schoolchildren and adolescents in Dharwad, India.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out among 492 subjects in age group of 12-19 years (mean age 14.02 ± 1.84 standard deviation [SD]) who were examined for occlusal anomalies using dental aesthetic index (DAI). They were classified into five groups as: Visual impairment, speech and hearing disability (SH), physical disability, mentally subnormal and multiple disabilities (MD). Chi-square test was used to compare the orthodontic treatment need among various SHCN groups. One-way ANOVA and ANCOVA were performed to test any significant differences in mean DAI scores among the SHCN groups.Results:None of the children were undergoing or had undergone orthodontic treatment for malocclusion. Mean DAI score was 28.81 ± 11.64 (SD). Orthodontic treatment was indicated in 50.2% of study population who had DAI scores of 26 and above. Mandatory orthodontic treatment (DAI >=36) was required in as high as 29% of MD individuals when compared to only 10% of SH individuals. Significant differences in DAI scores were found between the SHCN groups.Conclusions:The need for orthodontic treatment among SHCN individuals was found to be high. Yet, absence of any orthodontic treatment for any child points out to the fact that the dental services are highly needed in these individuals.

Perception of Personal Dental Appearance and Dental Aesthetic Index Score Among 18- to 20-year-old College Students in Rural South India.

To assess the correlation between self-perceived dental appearance and dental malocclusion among 18- to 20-year-old college students in Virajpet, Karnataka. A stratified random sample consisting of 280 18- to 20-year-old college students in Virajpet were recruited for the study. A pretested Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale (OASIS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess the subjects' perception of dental aesthetics. Malocclusion was clinically assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). The data were tabulated and analysed using SPSS version 16. The Spearman rankorder correlation coefficient was employed to determine the correlation between self-perceived dental appearance and dental malocclusion. Of the 280 students, 41.8% were females and 58.2% were males. The mean OASIS score was 23.93 (±3.72), the VAS score was 69.61 (±15.78) and DAI 24.80 (±6.29). There was a negative correlation between perception of personal dental appearance and the DAI scores in this group.

The socio-demographic and malocclusion characteristics of adolescents presenting for specialist orthodontic treatment in New Zealand practices

Abstract Background There are few reports of the socio-demographic and malocclusion characteristics of those undergoing clinical orthodontic treatment in private specialist practice. Aim To describe the pretreatment characteristics of individuals presenting for orthodontic treatment. Methods Individuals (N = 174) presenting for orthodontic treatment in 19 private specialist orthodontic practices in New Zealand were randomly selected and examined (at the beginning of a three-year prospective study) and their malocclusions compared using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Results The mean DAI score was 35.8 (SD 8.4). There were no statistically significant socio-demographic differences in DAI score other than by household-based socio-economic status (SES), whereby mean scores were considerably higher in those of low SES. The majority of patients attending for treatment had severe or very severe/handicapping malocclusions. Females had less severe malocclusions than males, on average, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions The malocclusion severity threshold for seeking orthodontic treatment appears to be higher in those of lower SES. The study findings highlight the need to improve access to orthodontic treatment for this group.

The prevalence of malocclusion and its association with dental caries among 12-18-year-old disabled adolescents

BackgroundTo assess the prevalence of malocclusion among 12-18-year-old disabled adolescents in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, by using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and to determine the association of malocclusion with dental caries.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 243 children with various mental disabilities with or without physical infirmities. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the dentition status were recorded using the World Health Organization Oral Health Surveys – Basic Methods (1997) Pro-forma. The Decayed (D), Missing (M) and Filled (F) components of the DMF index were calculated using the Dentition Status and Treatment Need (DSTN). A Chi-square test, ANOVA, and t-test were used to derive inferential statistics.ResultsThe mean DAI score ± standard deviation was 39.0 ± 12.3. A total of 123 (50.6%) participants (74 males and 49 females) had DAI scores of 36 and above, which indicated a handicapping malocclusion requiring mandatory orthodontic treatment. Sixty-nine (28.4%) adolescents (36 males and 33 females) had DAI scores between 31 and 35, which indicated severe malocclusion, for which orthodontic intervention was desirable. Incisal segment crowding (84.8%) was the most common aspect of the malocclusion. The mean DMFT score was 4.36 ± 3.81, and 82.8% of the participants had a DMFT score > 0. There was no statistically significant correlation between the mean DAI and DMFT scores (r = 0.090, p = 0.15). Only 16 (6.6%) of the adolescents had minor or no anomaly not needing orthodontic treatment.ConclusionsThe prevalence of malocclusion and dental caries was found to be high. However, there was no positive correlation between the severity of malocclusion and dental caries among the surveyed disabled adolescents.

익산시 청소년의 부정교합과 치아우식 유병률 사이의 연관성

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the malocclusion and dental caries in adolescents with permanent dentition. The subjects of the study were 385 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and DMFT index were recorded as clinical indicators of malocclusion and dental caries. The mean Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) score of the subjects was 12.42 and the mean DMFT index of the subjects was 2.89. Four students (1.04%) were included in the group of orthodontic treatment mandatory, which signifies the handicapping malocclusion. Moreover, the result of gender-specific analysis of the DAI components observed that the prevalence of midline diastema and mandibular overjet were significantly higher among boys ( p < 0.05). In 7 components (missing teeth, incisal segment crowding, maxillary anterior irregularity, mandibular anterior irregularity, mandibular overjet, anterior openbite, antero-posterior molar relationship) among the 10 DAI components, abnormal groups showed significantly higher DMFT index than normal groups (p < 0.05). The subjects in the group of definite to handicapping malocclusion (DAI ≥ 26) showed significantly higher DMFT index than the subjects in the group of minor or no malocclusion (p < 0.01). In addition, the DAI score had significant positive linear correlation with the DMFT index (r = 0.584, p < 0.01). Consequently, the current findings suggested a positive relationship between the malocclusion and caries prevalence. And several specific types of malocclusion were supposed to be significantly correlated with dental caries.

Orthodontic treatment need of Yemeni children assessed with dental aesthetic index.

Objective:The aim of this study was to estimate the orthodontic treatment need in a sample of 12-year-old Yemeni school children using the dental aesthetic index (DAI).Materials and Methods:The sample comprised 3003, 12-year-old children attending school in six of the governorates of Yemen. For each subject, the standard demographic information such as gender and age was collected, after which an intraoral examination for occlusal status using the DAI was performed.Results:The mean (SD) of DAI score was 24.86 (8.44) points (95% CI, 24.07-25.65). Overall, 36.6% of the sample found to have a dental appearance that requires orthodontic treatment, ranging from ‘selective’ to ‘mandatory’. Of whom, 19.0% presented with severe and handicapping malocclusion, requiring ‘definite’ and “mandatory’ treatment according to the DAI (DAI ≥ 31). Although there was no gender difference in the mean DAI score (P > 0.05), the sex distribution of the DAI treatment categories was significantly different (Chi-square = 13.258, df = 3, P = 0.004). The results of the individual DAI components showed that about 8% of the sample had more than one missing permanent teeth. Anterior maxillary and mandibular irregularity occurred in more than 33% of the sample. More than 30% of the children examined showed signs of crowding. Spacing in the incisal segments occurred in almost 25% of the sample. Almost 30% of the sample had an antero-posterior molar relation discrepancy.Conclusion:According to the findings of this study, almost one in five of the evaluated Yemeni school children had a DAI score above or equal to 31 points, suggesting highly desirable or mandatory orthodontic treatment need.

Malocclusion and treatment need in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease

To assess the prevalence of malocclusion and treatment need in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). In this cross-sectional study, the sample size comprised 35 five-year-old children and 36 adolescents of both sexes, aged between 12 to 18 years, with SCD. Dental occlusion was assessed using two indexes: the Malocclusion Index (World Health Organization) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). The prevalence of malocclusion in the preschool children was 62.9%. The main malocclusions observed in this age group were Class II (37.1%), increased overjet (28.6%), reduced overbite (28.6%), and open bite (17.1%). In the 12- to 18-year-old subjects, the prevalence of malocclusion was 100%, and the most prevalent types of malocclusion were maxillary overjet (63.9%) and maxillary misalignment (58.3%). It is noteworthy that the majority of adolescents (80.6%) had very severe or disabling malocclusions. The results revealed a high prevalence of malocclusion in children and adolescents with SCD. According to DAI score, the majority of the sample presented with very severe malocclusion and a compulsory treatment need.

Evaluation of Orthodontic Treatment Needs Using the Dental Aesthetic Index in Iranian Students

BackgroundIn the contemporary orthodontics, the number of people who demand orthodontic treatment to improve their psychosocial issues related to facial esthetic is constantly increasing. Even in treatment plans, appearance and esthetic gain more attention.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the need for orthodontic treatment on the basis of the dental aesthetic index (DAI) in the Iranian students of Ahvaz city.Material and MethodsThis cross sectional study was performed on 900 students aged between 11 - 14 years (450 boys, 450 girls). Schools were selected based on random cluster sampling from different parts of the city. Students\\ who had or were having orthodontic treatment including those on interceptive orthodontics, were excluded from the study. Two questionnaires were used; the first one included different DAI criteria, and the second one included two questions about orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction of personal dental appearance. The results were analyzed by Chi-Square and T test.ResultsIn 70.9% of the students, DAI score was 13 - 25, 19.2% of the samples had a DAI score of 26 - 30, the DAI score of 7.8% was 31 - 35, and in 2.1% the DAI score was greater than 35. The association between the DAI score and sex was not statistically significant (P = 0.778). In relation to orthodontic treatment need, 44.8% of students answered positively, while in 55.2% the answer was negative. In relation to satisfaction with appearance, 21% of the students were satisfied with their appearance, 59% were relatively satisfied, and 19.9% were not satisfied with their appearance. The association between DAI score and the need for orthodontic treatment and satisfaction of dental appearance was significant (P = 0.000).ConclusionIn comparison to other studies, the students in Iran (Ahvaz) have a better dental appearance and less need for orthodontic treatment. Significantly positive correlations were found between the DAI and satisfaction of dental appearance, orthodontic treatment need and student’s perception.

Malocclusion and deleterious oral habits in a north Indian adolescent population: A correlational study

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence of malocclusion and deleterious oral habits among 12 and 15-year-old school children in Shimla city, India and to find, if any correlation exists between the two. Design: Correlational study design. Setting: Twelve schools in Shimla city, India. Materials and Methods: Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need was assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) among a sample of 961, 12 and 15-year-old school children in Shimla city, who received no orthodontic treatment before or during the study. Subjects were also assessed for deleterious oral habits. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Multivariate regression analysis was used to test the correlation of habits with mean DAI score and malocclusion traits. Results: Mean DAI score was 26.81±5.25. Nearly 53% of the study sample presented with malocclusion, ranging from ′definite′ to ′handicapping′ based on the DAI scores. The prevalence of various deleterious oral habits was 25.9%. About 29% of children with any oral habit developed malocclusion as compared to those without any habit (P value=0.023). Tongue thrusting, mouth breathing and thumb sucking habits had a significant impact on malocclusion. Conclusion: There was high prevalence of malocclusion (52.7%). Abnormal oral habits, particularly mouth breathing and tongue thrusting had a significant impact on malocclusion, resulting in higher frequency of crowding in anterior teeth, open bite, and spacing.

DAI scores and its relation to self-perceived dental aesthetic and orthodontic concern in Bangladesh and Japan

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between the severity of occlusal irregularities and orthodontic treatment concern among the population of a developing country using DAI score and to compare with the relationship found in a developed country. Materials and methodsThe sample comprised 400 randomly selected university students of Bangladesh, a developing country, 210 males and 190 females, aged 20–27 years. A pretested questionnaire was used to assess the subjects’ satisfaction with own dental appearance and orthodontic treatment concern; the actual severity of malocclusion was determined using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Statistical analysis was carried out using t-test for gender differences; Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients, Scheffe's post hoc test, one way ANOVA and logistic regression analysis were done for correlation between malocclusion severity and response to questionnaire. The data from a similar study that was carried out on the university students of Japan, a developed country, was compared. ResultIn Bangladeshi sample, males were more affected by malocclusion. Moderate correlation was found between malocclusion, self-satisfaction and treatment concern where satisfaction was decreased and treatment desire was increased with the severity of malocclusion. In Japanese sample, the prevalence of malocclusion was found more in females. Self-satisfaction and malocclusion showed weak correlation and no significant correlation was found between treatment concern and malocclusion. ConclusionAlthough DAI can be used universally to evaluate malocclusion and self-perception, it should be used carefully to determine the subjects’ actual desire for orthodontic treatment where the socio-economic condition can be a provocative factor.

Clinical status in adolescents: is its impact on oral health‐related quality of life influenced by psychological characteristics?

The objective of this study was to examine, using structural equation modelling, the relationships among clinical characteristics (such as caries experience and malocclusion), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and psychological characteristics (mental health, self-esteem, somatisation, and social perception of body image) in adolescents in New Zealand. Adolescents were examined for malocclusion using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and for dental caries. Among the 353 (58.8%) 12- and 13-yr-old adolescents who took part in this cross-sectional study, the overall mean ± SD decayed, missing, or filled surfaces (DMFS) value was 1.6 ± 3.0, with slightly more than 50% of being caries-free; the mean ± SD DAI was 31.5 ± 7.6, with one-quarter of subjects having a 'handicapping' malocclusion. The structural equation modelling analysis showed that the structural model was a good fit to the data. As hypothesized, the DAI score significantly predicted OHRQoL. There was no direct relationship between caries experience (DMFS) and OHRQoL, but there was an indirect effect of DMFS on OHRQoL mediated through psychological characteristics. The amount of OHRQoL variance accounted for in the model was substantial, at 62%. It appears that investigating OHRQoL in adolescents is not straightforward; while malocclusion directly affects OHRQoL, the influence of dental caries experience is less direct.

Malocclusion status among 15 years old adolescents in relation to fluoride concentration and area of residence

To compare the overall dental aesthetic index scores between rural and urban areas, males and females, and to correlate dental aesthetic index score with fluoride concentration in drinking water. The study was cross sectional and conducted among 15 year old adolescents in the rural and urban areas of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India (an endemic fluoride belt). Six out of 59 mandals in Nalgonda district were first selected by simple random sampling technique. Then 24 secondary schools were selected from these six selected mandals. All eligible grade X children from these sixteen rural and eight urban schools, having different fluoride concentrations in drinking water, selected by simple random sampling, were considered for the study. Dentofacial anomalies with criteria of dental aesthetic index were used for assessing malocclusion. The information on the dietary habits, orthodontic treatment history, parafunctional habits, continuous residence etc., was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. The examination was carried out by three trained and calibrated dentists. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) scores, in areas with below optimal, optimal and above optimal fluoride concentrations, between urban and rural areas were compared and analyzed using SPSS windows version 16. The mean DAI scores, for the rural and urban population were 21.37 ± 5.845 (mean ± SD) and 22.26 ± 6.115, for males and females, it was 20.86 ± 5.100 and 22.70 ± 6.713 respectively. The mean DAI scores in areas with below optimal, optimal and above optimal fluoride concentration were 23.42 ± 7.205 (mean ± SD), 20.85 ± 4.658 and 19.93 ± 4.312 respectively. The prevalence and severity of malocclusion was more in urban than rural areas, more among females than males, and it decreased with increasing concentration of fluoride in drinking water.

Prevalence of malocclusion and its relationship with caries among school children aged 11 - 15 years in southern India

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of malocclusion and its relationship with dental caries among school children in southern India.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1,800 students aged 11 - 15 years whose Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and dentition status were recorded and analyzed. The chi-square test, ANOVA, and Spearman's correlation tests were carried out.ResultsThe mean DAI score ± the standard deviation was 18.61 ± 6.1. Approximately 85% of the students (83.0% males, 86.8% females) had DAI scores of < 26 and were classified as not requiring orthodontic treatment. One tenth of the sample had mean DAI scores between 26 - 30 (indicating definite malocclusion and elective treatment), while about 3% had mean scores between 31 - 35 (indicating severe malocclusion and treatment desirability). Only 29 children (1.6%; 16 boys, 13 girls) had a DAI score of > 35, which suggested very severe or handicapping malocclusion requiring mandatory treatment. The mean decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) was 2.28 ± 1.47. A DMFT of > 0 was observed in 91.8% of the study subjects. Children with a DAI score of > 35 were found to have significantly (p < 0.001) higher caries experience as compared to other children. Moreover, the DAI scores showed a significant correlation with the mean DMFT scores (r = 0.368, p < 0.05).ConclusionsA positive correlation was found between the severity of malocclusion and dental caries.

Malocclusion and TMJ disorders in teenagers from private and public schools in Mexico City

Objective: To identify, among Mexican teenagers from public and private schools, the frequency, severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs, and their possible association with temporomandibular joint disorders. Material and Methods: Fifteen-year-old students were recruited from public and private schools. Clinical findings were registered as follows: oral hygiene status with the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified, malocclusion using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and TMJ disorders following WHO criteria. Negative binomial and logistic regression models were constructed for data analysis. Results: A total of 249 fifteen-year old students were included in the study (118 female 47.4%). 68% had a DAI score ≤ 25 (minor or no occlusal anomalies), 18% scored 26-30 (mild anomalies), 7% scored 31-35 (evident anomalies), and 6% scored ≥ 36 (major malocclusion). The most frequent anomalies were dental crowding in 50%, maxillary dental irregularity in 44.6%, mandible irregularity in 41.2% and excessive maxillary overjet in 37.8%. Among the students, 26.1% had clicking/muscle or TMJ pain, of these 12.3% showed pain during palpation. OHI-S > 1 was found in 34% of the participants. The negative binomial model showed an association between DAI score and TMJ disorders (P=0.041). Also the logistic regression model showed an association between malocclusion (DAI>25) and TMJ disorders (OR=2.58, p=0.002). Malocclusion was associated also with poor oral hygiene (OR=1.65, p=0.007), and with attendance to public schools (OR=1.97, p=0.039). Conclusions: TMJ disorders and DAI scores were significantly associated. Screening/Diagnostic programs for ortho-dontic and TMJ-disorders are needed, to identify and offer treatment to teenagers with major malocclusion and TMJ/muscle pain. Key words:Dental Aesthetic Index, DAI, crowding, Temporo Mandibular Joint disorders (TMJ disorders), Temporo Mandibular Disorders (TMD), occlusal anomalies, OHI-S.

Assessing anteroposterior basal bone discrepancy with the Dental Aesthetic Index

To investigate dental appearance and cephalometric features, using a sample of orthognathic and/or orthodontic patients. A special interest was to identify the relationship of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) with anteroposterior basal bone discrepancy (APBBD) and cephalometric indicators. A full sample of 159 patients in two Japanese hospitals was used. Each patient was assessed with a preorthodontic dental cast and cephalometric radiography. Malocclusion with APBBD was more prevalent among high DAI subjects (P = .034, OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08), Class III malocclusion patients (P = .048, OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.01-5.34) and male patients (P = .008, OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.33-6.61). Participants scoring 88 points (the highest score in this sample) of the DAI had 16.84 times the risk of APBBD of those who scored 17 points (the lowest score in this sample). Patients with APBBD presented with a greater adjusted ANB angle (t = -8.10, P < .001) and a larger adjusted A-B/NF appraisal (t = -9.65, P < .001). The SNA angle (P < .001), the SNB angle (P = .002), the adjusted ANB angle (P = .001), and the adjusted A-B/NF appraisal (P = .035) were associated with DAI scores in cubic regression models. This study has demonstrated a relationship between the DAI and APBBD. Feasibility of using the adjusted ANB angle and the adjusted A-B/NF appraisal to assess severity of APBBD has been confirmed. The DAI may provide a supportive method to evaluate orthognathic needs. Future investigations are indicated.

Malocclusion: Social, Functional and Emotional Influence on Children

To determine the association between types of malocclusion and quality of life in children between 8-10 years of age and establish correlations between the severity of the malocclusion and particular bio-psychosocial variables. The sample was made up of 102 schoolchildren aged 8-10 years. Clinical exams were performed using the criteria of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) to determine the presence and severity of malocclusions. The impact on quality of life was assessed using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10). Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Spearman's correlation analysis. Malocclusions affected 61% of the children examined. There was a positive correlation between total CPQ8-10 and DAI scores (P = 0.034). The following types of malocclusion had a significant effect on the quality of life of the children: upper anterior irregularity > or = 2 mm, anterior open bite > or = 2 mm and diastema > or = 2 mm. Children with malocclusion experienced a greater negative impact on quality of life in comparison to those without malocclusion. Malocclusions had a negative influence over the quality of life of children between 8-10 years of age. More severe malocclusions had a greater impact with regard to social, emotional and functional aspects.

A comparison of two orthodontic aesthetic indices

Abstract Objectives: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of agreement between the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Methods: DAI and AC scores were recorded in 728 subjects (340 females and 388 males, aged 11-20 years). The percentage of subjects needing treatment and the different treatment categories for the DAI and AC were gender compared. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to explore the relationship between the DAI and AC scores. Observer determined and Kappa statistics were used to analyse the diagnostic level of agreement between the DAI and AC, sorted into ‘yes’ or ‘no’ categories of orthodontic treatment need. Results: According to the DAI and AC, 21.8 and 10.9% of subjects were in need of treatment, respectively. Significant positive correlations existed between the DAI and AC scores (rho = 0.795). The DAI had a lower treatment need threshold compared with the AC. The Kappa statistics and percentage agreement between the DAI and AC was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.46-0.63) and 87.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The DAI and AC showed strong association. However, only a moderate level of diagnostic agreement was identified (12.4% difference in observed percentage agreement) which highlights the need for a unified and universal orthodontic index for consideration when interpreting, comparing, or quantifying treatment needs.

Negative self-perception of smile associated with malocclusions among Brazilian adolescents

This study estimated the prevalence of negative self-perception of smile because of occlusion abnormalities and investigated their association according to standard clinical criteria. The sample consisted of 1290 randomly selected Brazilian adolescent boys and girls aged 12-16 years. The outcome of interest was dissatisfaction with smile, and data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Occlusion characteristics were assessed using the dental aesthetic index (DAI). The other study variables were gender, age, and use of dental services. A chi-square test and Poisson multiple regression were used for statistical analysis. Of the 1290 students interviewed and examined, 539 (41.8 per cent) were dissatisfied with their smile; of these, 373 (69.2 per cent) assigned their dissatisfaction to the presence of an occlusal abnormality, and 166 (30.8 per cent) reported reasons other than occlusal abnormalities for their negative self-perception of their smile. In multivariate analysis, the following variables were associated with the outcome of interest: maxillary anterior irregularity [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.40; 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) = 1.29-1.80], incisal spacing (PR = 1.37; 95 per cent CI = 1.19-1.57), vertical open bite (PR = 1.34; 95 per cent CI = 1.15-1.55), mandibular anterior irregularity (PR = 1.29; 95 per cent CI = 1.14-1.46), permanent anterior teeth missing (PR = 1.21; 95 per cent CI = 1.05-1.39), and incisal diastema (PR = 1.14; 95 per cent CI = 1.01-1.31). The negative self-perception of smile was statistically associated with severity of occlusal disorders according to the DAI scores, which suggests that self-perception should be used together with standard clinical criteria when decisions about orthodontic treatments are made in public health care systems.

Social acceptability of dental appearance and benefits of fixed orthodontic treatment: A 17‐year observational cohort study

This study reports on the social acceptability of dental appearance and benefits of fixed orthodontic treatment (FOT) among a cohort of 13-year-old adolescents in 1988/1989 followed through to age 30 years in 2005/2006. Adolescents were categorized into nominal treatment need groups based on the dental aesthetic index (DAI) score at age 13 (DAI: ≤ 25 "No Need"; 26-30, "Elective"; 31-35, "Desirable"; and ≥36, "Mandatory"). At age 30, calibrated examiners again assessed the DAI of traced participants. A reduction in the baseline DAI score of at least five units was considered a benefit. The change in DAI scores was examined by receipt of FOT. The number needed to treat (NNT) was estimated as an indicator of the efficacy of FOT. Of the 421 cohort participants examined at follow-up, 148 had undergone FOT; 34 percent of those with FOT were classified at age 13 as "No Need" (n = 50); 21 percent as "Elective" (n = 31); 17 percent as "Desirable" (n = 26); and 28 percent as "Mandatory Need" (n = 41). The DAI score reduced significantly for those with and without FOT. The NNT from FOT for those individuals in the "No Need" category was 17 [95 percent confidence interval (CI) - 26-6]; "Elective" 6 (95 percent CI - 27-3); "Desirable" 5 (95 percent CI 3-51) and "Mandatory Need" 14 (95 percent CI - 16-4). FOT provided a significant benefit only for individuals in the "Desirable" group at age 13. FOT appeared to offer little long-term benefits in the social acceptability of dental appearance for the majority of individuals who underwent FOT.

Dental aesthetics and self-esteem in adolescents

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dental aesthetics and self-esteem in adolescents.Methods: The sample was 387 randomly selected high school adolescents between 13 and 16 years of age. A clinical examination to evaluate dental aesthetics was conducted using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Self-esteem was assessed with the Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale. The statistical analysis included a descriptive analysis and means comparison, which was made through t-Student and ANOVA tests. DAI was correlated to Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The data collected was analyzed by using the SPSS program version 17.Results: The mean DAI score was 34.2 (SD=14.2) and self-esteem was 22.6 (SD=4.6). The low socioeconomic status (SES) group had the highest levels of DAI and the lowest levels of self-esteem. A weak, but statistically significant, negative correlation was found between DAI scores and Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale (r=-0.1, p0.05). Regarding gender, in female individuals a negative weak correlation (r=-0.14, p0.05).Conclusions: The outcomes generated by this investigation can improve our understanding of how the correlation between dental aesthetics and self-esteem may fluctuate because of the SES variability.