Outcome of a scheme for orthodontic care: a comparison of untreated and treated 19-year-olds

The organization of the orthodontic service within the Public Dental Health Service in the southern part of the county of Halland, Sweden is described, and data for the provision of treatment are presented. The aim of this study was to examine the outcome of this service by studying the prevalence of malocclusion and residual need, as well as attitudes to treatment in previously treated and untreated individuals. Three samples of 19-year-olds were established: patients treated by specialists (n=132), patients treated by general practitioners (GP) (n=132), and untreated individuals (n=492). All samples were examined clinically, and radiographs, photographs, and study casts were obtained from the two treated groups. Attitudes to own teeth and orthodontic treatment were recorded by use of questionnaires. Deviant occlusal traits were recorded, and all the individuals were categorised according to a treatment need index. Generally, good occlusal conditions were observed in all samples. More deviant traits were observed in individuals that had been treated by GPs, and significant differences were observed for overjet, overbite, and crowding compared to the other samples. The majority of individuals belonged to the little/no treatment need index categories. Of those treated by GPs, one third belonged to the moderate (22%) or urgent (11%) need categories. About 10% reported dissatisfaction with their dental appearance, but only 2% expressed a desire for (further) orthodontic treatment.