Nepalese Orthodontic Patients Research Articles

Skeletal, Dentoalveolar and Soft tissue Components of Skeletal Class II Malocclusion among Nepalese Orthodontic Patients: A Cephalometric Study

Introduction: The understanding of the craniofacial morphology of skeletal Class II malocclusion is a key element in planning orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to describe various skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue components of skeletal Class II malocclusion in Nepalese orthodontic patients. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Lateral cephalograms of 70 patients with skeletal class II malocclusion of age greater than 1 8 years, and ANB > 4°, were traced. Various skeletal, dentoalveolar, and softtissue measurements were taken. Descriptive statistics were performed followed by an independent sample t-test to find the difference in mean of various cephalometric parameters between males and females. Result: Among 70 subjects, 54 samples had class II div 1 malocclusion and 16 had class II div 2 malocclusion. Mandibular retrognathism was seen in 37 subjects having skeletal Class II Div 1 malocclusion and in 9 subjects with Class II Div 2 malocclusion. The mean value of SNA was 82.91 ° ± 2.87°, SNB was 76.81 ° ± 2.97°, and ANB was 6.11 ° ± 1.22° in Class II Div 1 subjects. In subjects with Class II Div 2, the mean value of SNA was 82.31 ° ± 3.19°, SNB was 76° ± 4.08°, and ANB was 5.44° ± 1.21 °. Mean value of U1 to NA degree and linear measurement was Class II div 1 was 28.30° ± 6.86° degree and 5.56 ± 2.76 mm respectively. Similarly, mean value of LI to NA degree and linear measurement was 31 .93° ± 5.96° and 6.16 ± 2.37 mm respectively. Mean and standard deviation value of upper lip to S-line and lower lip to S-line was 2.85 ± 2.1 3 mm and 3.54 ± 2.47 mm respectively in Class II Div 1 subjects. Similarly, in Class II Div 2 it was 1.50 ± 2.16 mm and 0.13 ± 2.66 mm respectively. Mean and standard deviation value of nasolabial angle was 93.69° ± 12.91° in Class II div 1 and 96.38° ± 12.26° degree in Class II Div 2. The mean values of most cephalometric parameters did not differ statistically between male and female subjects with Class II div 1 malocclusion. Conclusion: In subjects with skeletal Class II mean value of SNA was within normal range whereas SNB was decreased. Retrognathia and a small mandible in relation to the cranial base with a well-positioned maxilla were observed in the majority of subjects. Mean U1 to NA angular and linear measurement was increased in Class II Div 1, whereas they were decreased in Class II Div 2.

Gonial Angle by Lateral Cephalogram in Orthodontic Patients of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

The Gonial angle is an important parameter of the craniofacial complex for growth Patterns prediction. The gonial angle on lateral cephalometric radiograph represents the mandibular morphology concerning mandibular body and ramus. The objective of this study was to find out the mean value of gonial angle in lateral cephalometric radiographs of patients of orthodontic department in a tertiary care center. The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients from the Department of Orthodontics at People's Dental College and Hospital between 8th December 2020 to 8th February 2021 at People's Dental College and Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal after obtaining Ethical approval (Reference Number. 01, CH100 09,2077/2078) by the Institutional Review Committee. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect 166 pre-treatment lateral cephalograms radiographs of patients between 17-30 years. Data were collected and entered using Statistical Package of Social Science 16. The mean value of gonial angle on lateral cephalogram radiographs was 132.84±3.70 in hyperdivergent, 119.94±5.57 in hypodivergent and 124.06±3.88 in normodivergent vertical skeletal patterns and between male and female were 132.52±4.32, 133.07±3.28 in hyperdivergent, 121.46±3.78, 119.14±6.42 in hypodivergent and 123.74±5.14, 123.94±3.90 in normodivergent vertical skeletal patterns of Orthodontic Patients. The gonial angle value on lateral cephalometric radiographs was greater in hyperdivergent than hypodivergent and normodivergent vertical skeletal patterns. The hyperdivergent vertical skeletal pattern of female was greater than of male patient's lateral cephalometric radiographs while hypodivergent and normodivergent vertical skeletal patterns of males were greater than female lateral cephalogram radiographs of Nepalese orthodontic patients.

Prevalence and distribution of dental agenesis among orthodontic patients of Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: Tooth agenesis is the most common developmental dental anomaly in humans with a wide variability of distribution among different population. Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of dental agenesis among Nepalese orthodontic patients of Kathmandu and its occurrence with relation to gender, sides, and jaw. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 601 patients (242 males and 359 females) aged between 10 and 35 years who require orthodontic treatment. Dental panoramic radiographs were evaluated for dental anomalies causing disturbance in number by a trained observer who followed a preestablished protocol. Chi-square test was used to determine the difference in the prevalence of dental agenesis between genders, sides, and jaws. Results: The prevalence of dental agenesis was 7.48% (45) while excluding the third molar and 27.62% (166) while including the third molar. The prevalence of oligodontia was 0.33% (2). The total number of missing teeth including the third molar was 371 and it was 72 while excluding the third molar. Maxillary lateral incisor was the most lost (48.61%) followed by mandibular lateral incisor (19.44%), mandibular central incisor (8.33%), mandibular second premolar (6.94%), and maxillary second premolar (5.55%) while excluding the third molars. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of missing teeth in between gender (P = 0.996), in between right and left sides (P = 0.590), and in between upper and lower jaws (P = 0.010). Conclusion: The most common missing teeth were maxillary lateral incisor followed by mandibular lateral incisor, mandibular central incisor, and mandibular second premolar. Orthodontists have the responsibility to observe each patient carefully for dental agenesis and have full knowledge to plan the best possible treatments.

Angular Relationship between Frankfort Horizontal Plane and Sella-Nasion Plane in Nepalese Orthodontic Patients: A Cephalometric Study

Introduction: The angle between Frankfort horizontal (FH) plane and Sella-Nasion (SN) plane is considered to be 7°. Various studies have shown that the FH-SN angulations could vary; which can affect cephalometric diagnosis.Objective: To determine average FH-SN angle for a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients. The secondary objectives were to assess whether the FH-SN angle exhibits sexual dimorphism and to evaluate the FH-SN angle in different skeletal relationships.Materials & Method: Lateral cephalograms of 238 orthodontic patients were hand traced and the angle between the FH and SN plane was measured and recorded. The cephalograms were also classified as skeletal Class I, II or III cases using Wits appraisal.Result: The average FH-SN angle was 6.71° ± 3.13°. FH-SN angle was greater in female samples compared to males. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, the ANOVA analysis revealed no significant difference between FH-SN angles in different skeletal relationships.Conclusion: The average FH-SN angle for a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients was 6.71° ± 3.13°. There was no statistically significant difference in FH-SN angle between skeletal Class I, II and III relationships

Distribution of Malocclusion Traits among Orthodontic Patients in a Tertiary Care Center of Western Nepal

Objectives: To determine the pattern of distribution of dental malocclusion in a sample of Nepalese orthodontic patients in Western Nepal.Materials & Method: A sample consisted of 200 study casts of patient who visited Department of Orthodontics, UCMS, Bhairahawa who had never undergone orthodontic treatment previously. The total sample size was divided into male and female groups, age was divided into 3 groups: 8-11 years, 12-17 years, and 18-36 years. All data was recorded and analyzed with SPSS software version 22.Result: Among the total 200 casts examined; the distribution of malocclusion according to Angle’s classification was: Class I malocclusion in 101(50.5%), Class II malocclusion in 90(45%) sample and Class III in 9(4.5%) samples.Conclusion: Angle’s Class I malocclusion was the most prevalent malocclusion among orthodontic patients visiting UCMS College of Dental Surgery.

How common is ponticulus posticus on lateral cephalograms?

BackgroundPonticulus posticus is an anomaly of first cervical vertebra visible on lateral cephalogram and has some serious medical and surgical implications. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked or undetected by orthodontists. The general objective of this study is to sensitize orthodontists about this anomaly by depicting its prevalence among a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients.MethodsFour hundred and fourteen digital lateral cephalograms of orthodontic patients were retrieved from the archives of the department. The lateral cephalograms were carefully assessed for the presence of ponticulus posticus in the posterior spine of atlas vertebra by two investigators independently and the findings were recorded.ResultsPonticulus posticus was observed in 35.7% of the cases, of which 30.9% had partial ponticulus posticus and 4.8% had complete ponticulus posticus. Even though there was some female predilection, no statistically significant association was found between gender of the patient and presence of ponticulus posticus.ConclusionPonticulus posticus is a fairly common anomaly with more than one-third (35.7%) of a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients affected and is independent of gender. Since, this anomaly is associated with numerous medical conditions and has surgical implications, orthodontists should use lateral cephalogram as screening radiograph for this anomaly.

Assessment of skeletal maturation with permanent mandibular second molar calcification stages among a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients.

BackgroundAssessment of growth status of a patient is a key component in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for growing patients with skeletal discrepancy. Skeletal maturation based on hand-wrist radiograph and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) are commonly used methods of growth assessment. Studies have shown that stages of dental calcification can also be used to assess skeletal maturation status of an individual, whereas other studies have suggested that the relationship between dental calcification and skeletal maturation should be interpreted with caution owing to racial variation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between permanent mandibular second molar calcification stages and skeletal maturity assessed by CVM among a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients.Materials and methodsOne hundred and sixty-eight digital radiographs (84 orthopantomograms and 84 lateral cephalograms) were obtained from the records of 84 patients who sought orthodontic treatment in Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopaedic Unit, Department of Dentistry, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu. Two parameters were used in this study, namely, CVM stages from lateral cephalogram and Demirjian index (DI) stages from orthopantomogram. The evaluation of digital radiographs was carried out on a computer screen with a resolution of 1,280×800 pixels. The association between DI stages of permanent mandibular second molar and CVM stages was assessed.ResultsA statistically significant association was found between DI and CVM stages for both male and female subjects with Pearson’s contingency coefficient value of 0.751 and 0.766 for male and female subjects, respectively.ConclusionSkeletal maturation can be reliably assessed with dental calcification stages of permanent mandibular second molar for Nepalese orthodontic patients.

Maxillary Canine Impactions in Orthodontic Patients: A Study

Introduction: Dental anomalies involving alterations in number, size and structure of teeth often present a major challenge for dental practitioners. Many of these undiagnosed and untreated dental anomalies may ultimately present complex clinical problems in the areas of orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics and restorative dentistry. Maxillary canines are important aesthetically and functionally, but impacted ones are more difficult and time consuming to treat. Permanent maxillary canine impaction has been reported in 1-5% of the population.Objective: To determine the prevalence of impacted maxillary canine in patients visiting to Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Nepal.Materials & Method: The study was conducted with a total number of 341 orthodontic patients. The study consisted of clinical and radiographic examinations of the patients who visited Department for Orthodontics for orthodontic treatment. Descriptive statistics was calculated for gender groups and anatomical positions of the impacted canine.Result: A total of 18 (5.29%) orthodontic patients (male 5.83%, female 5.0%) were found to have maxillary canine impaction.Conclusion: The prevalence of impacted maxillary canines in Nepalese orthodontic patients is 5.29%. The occurrence is slightly higher in males

Prevalence of Maxillary Central Incisor Impaction and Supernumerary Teeth among Nepalese Orthodontic Patients

Introduction: Very few studies have been done on impacted maxillary central incisors and supernumerary teeth.Objective: To find the prevalence of maxillary central incisor impaction and supernumerary teeth among orthodontic patients attending Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital.Materials & Method: The retrospective study consisted of 787 records of orthodontic patients of age 10-35 years. Dental model and orthopantomograph were retrieved and searched for impacted maxillary central incisors and supernumerary teeth. Incomplete records and patients with known syndromes were excluded from the study. Descriptive statistics was applied to find the prevalence rate and comparison between male and female was done by chi-square test.Result: Out of total samples, 14(1.8%) and 11(1.4%) samples were found to have impacted maxillary central incisors and supernumerary teeth respectively. There was no significant difference in prevalence of impacted maxillary central incisors between male and female samples (p=0.78), however there was significant difference in occurrence of supernumerary teeth between gender groups (p=0.025).Conclusion: The prevalence of impacted maxillary central incisor and supernumerary teeth among orthodontic patients attending Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital is 1.8% and 1.4% respectively. Male patients have higher chance of having supernumerary teeth than female patients

Dental Aesthetic Index among Nepalese Orthodontic Patients

Introduction: Orthodontic indices are used for the assessment of malocclusion, its severity level, and treatment need. Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) is a simple, valid and reliable index commonly used for epidemiological survey and initial screening of the orthodontic patients.Objective: To evaluate the frequency and severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need among Nepalese patients using DAI and to compare the treatment need between gender groups.Materials & Method: 150 pairs of maxillary and mandibular pre-treatment orthodontic study models of 59 male and 91 female patients with permanent dentition were randomly selected from the Department of Orthodontics, Kantipur Dental College. Ten occlusal traits of DAI were assessed on each pair of study models using graduated periodontal probe and metallic scale by a single examiner. Cumulative DAI scores were calculated according to standard DAI method to differentiate the severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need.Result: About 60% of the sample presented severe or very severe (handicapping) malocclusions indicating highly desirable or mandatory treatment need. 21.3% had definite malocclusion that required elective treatment need, 19.3% had normal occlusion with no or slight treatment need. There was no statistically different mean DAI scores between male and female samples (p=0.116)Conclusion: Most of the samples were in great need of orthodontic treatment with very severe malocclusions. Male samples had greater percentage of ‘very severe’ malocclusion than female. Malocclusion was characterized with high frequency of anterior incisal irregularity, maxillary overjet, midline diastema. DAI can be used as a screening tool rather than the decision making tool.

Comparative Study of Tweed Triangle in Angle Class II Division 1 Malocclusion between Nepalese and Chinese Students

Introductions: The establishment of specific cephalometric norms for specific race or ethnic group has been documented in literatures. The aim of the present study was to compare the Tweed triangle for Nepalese and Chinese subjects with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion. Methods: The cephalometric radiographs of 52 Nepalese and 52 Chinese students age between 14 to 18 years, Class II division 1 malocclusion with Point A-Nasion-Point B angle larger than 4 degrees were analyzed for 9 parameters. Results: Mean age of Nepalese participants was 14.28 years and that of Chinese 14.09. The comparative variables of Nepalese and Chinese population were: Y axis (61.39 and 67.52), Sella Nasion Point A angle (83.69 and 81.14), Sella Nasion Point B angle (76.87 and 74.62), Occlusal plane angle (19.0 and 23.12), Frankfort Mandibular plane angle (28.13 and 32.87) and Lower Incisior to Frankfort Horizontal plane Angle (54.77 and 48.23). Conclusions: The Class II skeletal pattern, well positioned maxillas and retrusive mandibles were present in both samples. The Chinese showed more protruded maxilla, more buccal inclination of lower incisors and longer face than Nepalese. Plain Language Summary: The study was done to identify the Tweed triangle for a sample of Nepalese and Chinese subjects with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion . The study found that the both samples showed Class II skeletal pattern, well positioned maxillas and retrusive mandibles but the Chinese had more protruded maxilla, more buccal inclination of lower incisors and longer face than Nepalese. It showed the importance of ethnic role as Nepalese have distinct cephalometric features, which should be used as a reference while treating the Nepalese orthodontic patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpahs.v1i1.13008 Journal of Patan Academy of Health Sciences. 2014 Jun;1(1):8-12

Perception and Practice of Nepalese Adult and Adolescent Patients towards Orthodontic Treatment

Introduction: Patient’s perception and practice on ongoing treatment is very important to evaluate the practice management.Objective: To assess the perception and practice of Nepalese orthodontic patients towards orthodontic treatment and to find the difference between adolescent and adult.Materials & Method: A structured questionnaire with 3-point Likert scale was used among 536 orthodontic patients at eight orthodontic centers. The data were rescored based on their views and depicted on good, moderate and poor levels. The difference in perception and practice between adolescent and adult patients was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test.Result: More than 80% patients feel that, orthodontist’s dealing and skill is good, while more than two-third feel that orthodontic treatment is expensive. More than half adolescent and two-third adult patients restrict certain food due to braces; about one third adolescent and one-fourth adult patients are careless on appliance breakage. More number of adult patients consume analgesics compared to adolescents. There was significant difference in perception about ‘duration of treatment’ and ‘chance of relapse’, and practice on ‘food restriction’ and ‘carelessness of appliance’ between adolescent and adult patients.Conclusion: Nepalese orthodontic patients possess good perception about orthodontist’s dealing and skill, and good practice on regular brushing habits. Adolescent patients lack positive perception about duration of treatment and majority of patients feel that orthodontic treatment is expensive. Adult patients have better perception and practice about the orthodontic treatment than adolescent in all parameters studied except for ‘cost of treatment’ and ‘use of analgesics’.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Patients towards Orthodontic Treatment: A Multi-centric Study

Introduction: Patient’s perspective and cooperation on treatment procedure and service is very important to evaluate the management system and success of the orthodontic treatment. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of Nepalese patients towards orthodontic treatment and to find the difference of perception between female and male patients. Materials & Method: A structured questionnaire comprising of fifteen questions in three sections was used among 536 orthodontic patients at eight orthodontic treatment centers. The knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed on Likert scale. The data were rescored based on positive, neutral or negative perceptions and depicted for a level. The difference in perception between female and male patients was tested using Mann-Whitney U test. Result: 85% of orthodontic patients possess good knowledge about ongoing orthodontic treatment; however about half of the patients are unaware about retainers. About 35% patients think that people wearing braces do not look good, 59% experience long waiting time, 25% feel time spent for procedure is inadequate and 68% believe orthodontic treatment is expensive; still 82% are happy about treatment outcome. Most of the patients brush and rinse more carefully, however 28.9% patients are careless about braces and 12.7% forget appointment dates. Conclusion: Nepalese orthodontic patients possess good knowledge about orthodontic treatment, however lack adequate attitude and practice towards the treatment. The practitioners should inform patients about retainers and be concerned about waiting time, procedure duration and cost of the treatment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11304 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 6-11

Prevalence of White Spot Lesion in Nepalese Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance

Introduction: Enamel decalcification in the form of white spot lesion is a common complication seen in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.
 Objective: To determine the prevalence of white spot lesion among Nepalese fixed orthodontic patients, to compare the occurrence of WSL among the patients with lesser and greater duration of treatment, and to compare between the gender groups.
 Materials & Method: A cross-sectional study was done to compare the prevalence of WSL between 300 orthodontic patients and 100 non-orthodontic subjects. Further comparison was done between the mean treatment duration between orthodontic subjects of 6-18 months and >18 months, and between male and female samples. Subjects were visually examined on second premolar to second premolar in both maxillary and mandibular arches using Gorelick’s WSL index. Descriptive statistics were calculated and independent t-test was used to compare the difference between the groups. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
 Result: The prevalence of WSL in Nepalese orthodontic patients was 54.3%; among them prevalence was 40% in lesser treatment duration group and 68.7% in greater treatment duration group. The study found significant difference between untreated nonorthodontic group and orthodontically treated group with respect to the number of teeth affected with WSL. Also, there was significant difference between the categories of orthodontic treatment duration. There was no significant difference between male and female samples.
 Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic treatment increase the risk of white spot lesion. Duration of orthodontic treatment also showed significant increase in the occurrence of WSL.

Effect of Orthodontic Treatment in Occurrence of Dental Caries

Introduction: Attaining improved aesthetics and proper occlusion are main reasons for commencing orthodontic treatment in any patient. However it is anticipated that orthodontic treatment increases the risk of carious lesions. Objective: To analyze prevalence of dental caries in relation to gender, age group, duration of orthodontic treatment and malocclusion type; and to assess oral hygiene and food habit practice in Nepalese orthodontic patients. Materials & Method: A cross sectional study was done in 212 orthodontic patients (age range 11-30 years) having fixed appliance for at least six months duration. A survey form based on ‘Dentition Status & Treatment Need, WHO’ was used to depict DMFT Index and prevalence of dental caries. A questionnaire was used to assess the practice of oral hygiene measures and food habits of the orthodontic patients. The association between dental caries and gender, age group, duration of orthodontic treatment and malocclusion type were analyzed using chi-square test (p<0.05). Result: The prevalence of dental caries (DMFT) was 79.2% and mean DMFT value was 2.87 among Nepalese orthodontic patients. Occurrence of dental caries among male and female patients was 69.44% and 60% respectively. Caries occurrence was highest in age group 16-20 years (72.22%), in more than 18 months treatment duration group (63.92%) and in Class I malocclusion group (68.38%). Similarly, 30.2% consume sweets foodstuff, 26.9% consume junk food and 14.2% consume snacks in between meals frequently. Conclusion: Fairly good proportion of Nepalese orthodontic patients practice normal oral hygiene methods but very few use special oral hygiene measures. The study showed no association between dental caries occurrence and gender groups, age groups, duration of orthodontic treatment and malocclusion types. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9279 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 31-36

Assessment of Periodontal Health in Nepalese Orthodontic Patients

Objective: To assess periodontal status of the patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and to compare periodontal health of patients with and without orthodontic treatment. Materials & Method: A cross sectional study was done on 100 patients (50 orthodontic and 50 non-orthodontic). CPITN (Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Need) was used to assess the periodontal health of indexed teeth. SPSS version 17 and Chi Square test were used to analyze and compare the data. Result: There was a statistically significant association in CPITN score between orthodontic and non-orthodontic patients (p<0.01). Conclusion: Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have increased plaque accumulation and probing depth that may be associated with periodontal destruction. Patient motivation to maintain oral hygiene and regular scaling will minimize hazardous effects in orthodontic patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9278 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 26-30

An Analysis of Malocclusion and Occlusal Characteristics in Nepalese Orthodontic Patients

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of malocclusion and occlusal characteristics in referred Nepalese orthodontic patients with respect to age, gender, Angle’s classification. Materials & Method: Study models of 464 orthodontic patients (165 male and 299 female) of the age ranging from 11 to 30 years were studied to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion using Angle’s classification and occlusal characteristics of overjet, overbite, open bite, cross bite, displacement, and hypodontia according to the method of Dental Health Component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. The association between DHC grades and Angle’s classification and gender were assessed using chi-square test (p < 0.01). Result: The malocclusion status among the Nepalese seeking orthodontic treatment was 54.7% Class I, 36.9% Class II, and 8.4% Class III. The occurrence of occlusal discrepancies were overjet in 43.8%, increased overbite in 20.7%, open bite in 8.2%, cross bite in 23.3%, displacement in 65.7% and hypodontia in 11.3%. Conclusion: 16.2 % required no/little treatment need, 20.4% required borderline treatment need, and 63.4 % required great/severe treatment need according to DHC scale. There was statistically significant association between DHC grades and distribution of malocclusion and gender of the Nepalese subjects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9272 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 19-25

Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need in Referred Nepalese Population

Objective: The study aims to assess the need for orthodontic treatment in a group of referred Nepalese population of Kathmandu valley.
 Materials & Method: Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was evaluated on a group of 412 Nepalese orthodontic patients including 142 male and 270 female subjects aged 11-30 years with the mean age 17.12 years by a single examiner.
 Result: Dental Health Component showed 16 % no/little treatment need, 19.9 % showed borderline need, and 64.1 % showed great/severe treatment need. Aesthetic Component showed 26.5 % no/little treatment need, 32 % showed borderline need, and 41.5 % showed great/severe treatment need.
 Conclusion: Increasing trend of treatment need for more severe forms of orthodontic problems seen in Nepalese orthodontic patients according to DHC and AC scores in age groups 11-25 years and for both male and female gender groups.