Prevalence and factors related to malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in children and adolescents in Italy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of malocclusions, normative and perceived orthodontic treatment need and related risk factors in schoolchildren in Italy.

DESIGN: A random sample of 1000 11-15 years old children was selected from randomly selected schools in Catanzaro (Italy). Parents completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic, orthodontic history and perception of their child orthodontic treatment need. Children were interviewed on utilization of dental services, perception of orthodontic treatment need and use of orthodontic devices. The Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Dental Health Component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) were assessed. The Aesthetic Component (AC) of IOTN was assessed by parents, children and dentist.

RESULTS: A total of 546 children participated in the study. Three hundred and twenty-five subjects (59.5%) were assigned a 4 or 5 IOTN score, thus requiring orthodontic treatment. Definite treatment need (AC score 8-10) was reported for 8.6% of subjects by the orthodontist, 5.4% by parents and 3.2% by children. Higher DMFT significantly predicted orthodontic treatment need according to IOTN. Perceived orthodontic treatment need was significantly predicted by orthodontic treatment need for crowding/spacing and overjet.

CONCLUSION: A high proportion of children needs normative orthodontic treatment and perceptions of orthodontic treatment do not overlap with normative need.