Determination of Orthodontic Treatment Need in a group of pediatric patients applying IOTN

Abstract

The Index of Ortodontics Treatment Need (IOTN) allows quantifying and determining the need for treatment depending on the severity of the malocclusion indicators. Objective: To determine ortodontic treatment need in a group of pediatric patients, who attend the Pediatric Dentistry service of the Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad (CMDLT), in the period from March 2020 to August 2021, using the IOTN index. Materials and Methods: This research is descriptive and cross-sectional, in which the need for orthodontic treatment was determined using the dental component of the IOTN index. The sample was selected for convenience. After obtaining informed consent / assent, a clinical and photographic evaluation was carried out in patients aged 5 to 18 years, who had mixed or permanent dentition. 4 observers participated. The data were recorded and analyzed with descriptive variables. Results: The sample consisted of 46 patients, with an equitable distribution between sexes. 39% of the sample presented no (28%) or little (11%) need for treatment; while 61% do require orthodontic treatment (moderate need 33%, high need 28% and great need 4%). The most prevalent indicators of malocclusion were overbite (23.9%) and tooth displacement (21.7%).
Conclusion: The use of the IOTN index reflects a high need for orthodontic treatment in the pediatric patients studied, mainly derived from deep overbite and dental crowding.