The Need for Orthodontic Therapy for Children and Adolescents in the Health Center Mostar According to the IOTN Index

Abstract

Background: Orthodontic anomalies or malocclusions are modifications in the development of the orofacial system, caused by genetic, environmental or evolutionary factors.

Methods: The purpose of the research is to determine the need for orthodontic therapy with regard to gender and age characteristics. The sample consisted of 46 children aged 10-13 and 30 adolescents, aged 14-16, who use the services of the Health Center in Mostar. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) which consists of a dental health component (IOTN-DHC) and an aesthetic component (IOTN-AC) was used. Seventy-six participants who had not previously undergone orthodontic therapy were examined. An assessment of the need for orthodontic therapy was made by two examiners across both IOTN components.

Main findings: Frequencies (%) in each category were calculated in relation to the data, and differences were tested with chi-square tests. According to the IOTN-DHC, the need for orthodontic therapy was present in 19.5% of male subjects and in 26.7% of female subjects, considering that 28.2% of children and 33.3% of adolescents need orthodontic therapy. According to the IOTN-AC, there was a need for orthodontic therapy in 10.8% of male participants and 13.2% of female participants, and with regard to age, in 13% of children and 10% of adolescents. A statistically significant difference in the need for therapy related to gender or age was not determined.

Principal conclusions: The obtained results indicate the need for orthodontic therapy for children and adolescents. Such data can provide an insight into planning preventive measures in public health, to make patients aware of their orthodontic irregularity.