Prevalence of malocclusion and index of orthodontic treatment need in children in Tehran

Jamilian A, Toliat M, Etezad S. Prevalence of malocclusion and index of orthodontic treatment need in children in Tehran. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2010; 8(4): 339-43

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malocclusion among schoolgirls and to assess malocclusion using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 350 subjects were selected by a multistage randomised cluster sampling method. All of the selected subjects were schoolgirls aged 14 to 17 years. Malocclusion was determined using the IOTN. A chi-square test was performed to evaluate the data obtained.

RESULTS:

The present study reported that 16.3% of subjects had no treatment need, 35.7% had a mild treatment need, 35.4% had a moderate treatment need and a further 5.2% to 7.4% had a severe to extreme treatment need, respectively. Therefore, the prevalence of malocclusion was found to be 83.7% among Tehranian schoolgirls of age 14 to 17 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of malocclusion is very high among Tehranian schoolgirls; therefore, greater care is required to reduce this prevalence.