Orthodontic Need Among Adult Patients Seeking Oral Rehabilitation in Craiova

Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of molar absence and the need for limited preprosthetic orthodontic treatment in the situation of lateral molar edentulism in adult patients. Methods: The need for orthodontic treatment was studied retrospectively in a cohort of adult patients of both genders who presented for dental treatment at the Oral Rehabilitation Clinic of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the final study group consisted of 478 patients. The collected data were centralized in Microsoft Excel and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 26. Results: The results of the study showed that more than 50% of adult patients need orthodontic treatment. The patients with the greatest need for orthodontic treatment also had a higher DMFT (p < 0.0005), indicating a higher need for dental caries treatment, as well as prosthetics of edentulous areas. The prevalence of molar edentulism was 57.31%. The acceptance of the treatment plan was inversely proportional to the need for orthodontic treatment. Tooth wear (p < 0.0005) and maxillary edentulism (p = 0.002) significantly contributed to a higher DAI. Conclusions: The need for orthodontic treatment increases with age, but the acceptance of oral rehabilitation plans that include orthodontic treatment is low. Better interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to ensure that adult patients benefit from the best treatment options.