Assessment of orthodontic treatment need in 11- to 20-year-old urban Iranian children using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).

AIM

To determine with a cross-sectional study the prevalence of orthodontic treatment need using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using a stratified sampling method in private and public schools in Isfahan, Iran, 748 subjects were examined and divided into three age groups: 11 to 14, 14 to 17, and 17 to 20 years (355 females and 393 males, 15.11 ± 2.23 years), including 20 subjects with history of orthodontic treatment. DAI scores were recorded in those without history of orthodontic treatment (n=728, 340 females and 388 males). The proportions of subjects within sexes needing treatment, as defined by having DAI scores of at least 31, were compared using the chi-square test. The chi-square test was also used to test for any difference for DAI treatment categories in different age groups and also to test for sex dimorphism.

RESULTS

The mean DAI score was 26.14 (SD=7.64) points (95% CI, 26.60 to 26.72). On the whole, 54.5% showed no need or slight need for treatment. In 23.6%, the need for treatment was elective. However, in 11.0%, treatment was highly desirable and 10.9% showed very severe malocclusions and treatment was mandatory. There was a significant difference between sexes with regard to DAI treatment need categories (chi-square=10.10, df=3, P<.05). There was no significant difference between different age groups with regard to DAI treatment categories (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, 21.8% of the evaluated Iranian school children in our sample had a DAI score above or equal to 31 points, suggesting highly desirable or mandatory orthodontic treatment need.