Aesthetic evaluation of the need for orthodontic treatment / Perception among university students

IntroductionAesthetics is a relevant part of procedures in healthcare, often influencing treatment planning in tandem with a healthy function. Orthodontic treatment (OT) is one of many solutions and is, sometimes, wanted purely for aesthetic reasons. In 1989, Brook and Shaw proposed the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), which has been largely used. This study aims to verify the main motivations of university students to look for OT and, based on the Aesthetic Component of the IOTN, weigh the aesthetics influence to seek for it. It was compared the opinion of students from various areas of study - Dentistry, Science and Nature (ScN), Arts and Humanity (AtH) - at the beginning (Initiated Students) and end (Advanced Students) of their graduation; the same question was also analysed taking into account their nationalities and training schools. Materials and MethodsIn a collaboration between the University of Porto (Portugal) and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Cluj-Napoca (Romania), a sample of 1071 individuals was gathered. Participants responded to an online survey, based on IOTN pictures, about what would motivate them to seek OT. The ratings were analysed using the T-Test and alpha error of 5%. ResultsThe results showed that the total Dentistry students registered a higher Oral Esthetical Sensibility (OES) than the total ScN and AtH students. All groups, except Dentistry Advanced Students, registered a higher OES for Self-Perception than for Perception of Others. DiscussionAmong other factors, the pictures used from the IOTN, taken in 1989, may have influenced the participants responses. However, it is the most used index, and it is validated. ConclusionIn conclusion, for the studied populations, the main motivations for OT demand are primarily and respectively in this order: functional reasons, doctors advice, and aesthetical reasons. OES is influenced by Dentistry studies, specifically in Advanced Students. OES is not influenced by the country of the students origin nor the country they are graduating at.