Comparing the Quantitative and Qualitative Components of IOTN Index in Determining the Orthodontic Treatment Need in Ahvaz, Iran

Background: This study aimed to compare the quantitative and qualitative components of IOTN index in determining the orthodontic treatment needed in High school students in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on ۳۵۶ students aged ۱۵-۱۸ years. The samples were selected by cluster stratified method and the information was collected using IOTN index and clinical examinations. Statistical data were obtained using the descriptive analysis and chi-square test (P <۰.۰۵). Results: The findings showed that ۵۱.۹۴% of males and ۸۰.۵% of females had no or little treatment need, ۱۷.۹۴% of males and ۳% of females had moderate and ۳۰.۱۲% of males and ۱۶.۵% of females had severe or extreme treatment needs. Regarding the aesthetic component of (AC), based on the student’s point of view, ۷۶.۵% of males and ۹۸.۸% of females had no or little need, ۱۵.۲% of males and ۱.۳% of females had moderate need and ۸.۳% of males and ۰% of females had severe or extreme treatment need. According to the dentist's opinion, ۹۳.۶% of males and ۹۰% of females had no or little need, ۵.۱% of males and ۴.۵% of females had moderate needs, ۱.۳% of males and ۵.۵% of females had definite needs for treatment. Comparing the DHC and the AC showed that the DHC-based orthodontic treatment need is higher. Conclusion: Occlusion-based judgment is more accurate and less complex. Aesthetic-based judgment is descriptive, indefinite, and individualized, and depends on a variety of social, psychological, cultural, and ethnic factors, and is more complex. Therefore, in order to achieve a better quality of life, it is recommended to consider the aesthetic and appearance-related factors based on the patient's opinion.

Keywords:

orthodontic treatment need , IOTN index , Students , Malocclusion