A longitudinal study on subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Orthodontics
• Longitudinal Studies

Background:

• Assessing changes in orthodontic treatment needs from adolescence to young adulthood is vital for understanding long-term dental health.
• The Need for Orthodontic Treatment Index (NOTI) is a key tool for evaluating professionally-defined need and guiding insurance reimbursement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolution of professionally-defined and self-perceived orthodontic treatment needs between ages 12 and 20.
• To evaluate the impact of orthodontic treatment on occlusal status and patient satisfaction over time.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study tracking 306 12-year-olds in Finnmark, Norway, with follow-up examinations and interviews at age 20.
• Assessment of professionally-defined need using the NOTI, and perceived need via self-reported desire for treatment.
• Analysis of changes in occlusal categories as a measure of health gain in treated versus untreated individuals.

Main Results:

• Individuals receiving orthodontic treatment showed an average improvement of one category of need, indicating significant health gain.
• Untreated individuals' occlusal status remained unchanged.
• Desire for treatment decreased in most individuals by age 20, with many satisfied with their dental arrangement, highlighting the role of information provided at age 12.

Conclusions:

• Orthodontic treatment leads to measurable improvements in occlusion.
• Self-perceived need for orthodontic treatment can shift significantly between adolescence and young adulthood.
• Effective orthodontic counseling, including patient education, is essential for managing expectations and ensuring satisfaction.