Evaluation of esthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need: The orthodontists’ perspective

AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose was to assess orthodontic treatment need in a subpopulation as assessed by the orthodontists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a sample population of 753 patients aged 20–25 years to assess the need for orthodontic treatment using the esthetic component (AC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). RESULTS: The AC revealed that 78.1% of the sample exhibited no or slight need for treatment, 13.2% demonstrated moderate to borderline need, and 8.7% proved to have a definite need for orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The AC-IOTN can definitely be considered to be used as a powerful tool for prioritizing orthodontic triage, patient counseling, and planning desired orthodontic mechanotherapy.