Aesthetic components of index of orthodontic treatment need in Serbian adolescents

Abstract

Background/Aim. The biggest motivating factor for undertak-ing orthodontic treatment is poor dental aesthetics as a conse-quence of occlusal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine the need for orthodontic treatment, based on the aes-thetic components of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), to compare the degree of aesthetic component of IOTN and the subjective perception of individuals about their dental aesthetics, but also to compare their evaluation of the aes-thetic component of IOTN in comparison with the evaluation of the therapist. Methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 316 students aged 15-19 years who did not have an orthodon-tic treatment prior to the survey. The research was carried out us-ing the IOTN. The IOTN consists of dental and aesthetic com-ponents based on which the need for therapy was determined. The aesthetic component of the index was noted by the therapist (specialist of orthodontics) as well as the subject. Results. Ac-cording to the grades of subjects, the need for orthodontic treatment was present in 0.38% of male subjects and 2% of fe-male subjects. According to the evaluations of the therapists, the need for orthodontic treatment was present in 7.52% of male subjects and 8% of female subjects. Observing all subjects, the need for orthodontic treatment was present in 0.63% of subjects, and according to the therapist, the need for orthodontic treat-ment was present in 7.59% of subjects. The mentioned differ-ence was statistically significant. Conclusion. Obtained results show that there is a significant difference in evaluation of dental aesthetics and the need for orthodontic treatment between the subjects and therapists. This can be a cause for concern because patients who are not aware of their orthodontic abnormality can limit the need for further treatment.