Comparison of Normative and Self-Perceived Orthodontic Treatment Needs of ۱۱-۱۴ Year-Old Schoolchildren

Aim: Occlusal indices used to determine orthodontic treatment needs cannot include the patients’ perception about their need for orthodontic treatment. That is why in some cases, these indices show that a particular patient needs orthodontic treatment while the patient feels no such need. This study was carried out to compare normative and self-perceived orthodontic treatment needs of ۱۱-۱۴ year-old school children.Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study ۲۵۰ children of ۱۱ to ۱۴ years old were selected randomly. The scores of the Aesthetic Component (AC) of IOTN, were determined by specialist and the children themselves. The Dental Health Component (DHC) of IOTN was also assessed. Statistical analysis used: correlations between the AC of the patient, AC of the specialist and DHC of the specialist were assessed using Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient. Results: The mean of patient’s AC and specialist’s AC were ۲.۵۵۶ and ۴.۳۰۸, respectively, while the mean of specialist’s DHC was ۲.۶۰. The correlation coefficient between patient’s AC and specialist’s AC was ۰.۲۸۱, between specialist’s AC and DHC was۰.۵۴۹ and between patient’s AC and DHC was ۰.۲۱۰. The highest correlation was seen between specialist’s AC and DHC and the lowest correlation was seen between patient’s AC and DHC.Conclusion: The significant positive relation between the AC indices and the DHC indicates their ability to determine the need for orthodontic treatment. The highest need for orthodontic treatment was determined by specialist’s AC and the lowest was patient’s AC.

Keywords:

Self-perceived , Normative , treatment need , IOTN