A Comparison of Three Orthodontic Treatment Indices with Regard to Angle Classification

To calculate the agreement between the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) in assessing orthodontic treatment need and to determine correlations between the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and DAI and ICON scores according to Angle classification among patients referred for orthodontic evaluation.

This study included 457 randomly selected patients between 9 to 17 years of age. Patients were divided into four groups according to Angle classification [Class I (n=154), Class II division 1(Class II/1) (n=155), Class II division 2(Class II/2) (n=52) and Class III (n=96)]. Relationships between PAR scores and ICON and DAI scores were evaluated with the Spearman correlation test. Unweighted kappa statistics were used to analyse agreement between the ICON and DAI on the need for treatment, according to Angle classification.

Class I malocclusions scored significantly lower than other Angle classifications in all indices. Both the ICON and DAI showed significant positive correlations with the PAR in the general study population. For Class II/2 patients, no correlation was found between PAR and DAI scores. There was significant agreement between the ICON and DAI on treatment need among Class I, Class II/1 and Class II/2 patients however, no agreement was found for Class III malocclusions.

The ICON, DAI and PAR produce similar results and can be used interchangeably for the general orthodontic patient population. However, based on Angle classification, prominent differences exist in scoring certain occlusal features.