[The orthodontic treatment needs of young adults. An epidemiological study of recruits]

In an epidemiological study of 370 recruits, the need for orthodontic treatment was investigated. Subjects who had previously received orthodontic treatment (n = 135) were compared with untreated subjects (n = 234). An unequivocal need for orthodontic treatment was ascertained in 50% of the recruits. Differences between previously treated subjects and untreated subjects were not Some 60% of the orthodontic measures had been carried out by an orthodontist, and 40% by a nonspecialist dentist. The results of treatment were generally unsatisfactory, although the success rate achieved by the orthodontists did appear somewhat higher than that seen with nonspecialist dentists.