Evaluation of Orthodontic Treatment Need of Orthodontic Patients in a Tertiary Health Facility in South-South Nigeria using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion is a common oral health condition and a major reason for orthodontic consultation. Objective assessment of orthodontic treatment need is important for prioritizing care, especially in resource-limited settings. This study assessed orthodontic treatment need among orthodontic patients in a tertiary health facility in South-South Nigeria using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 120 orthodontic patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Treatment need was assessed using the Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC) of the IOTN. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square tests applied (p < 0.05).

Results: Participants comprised 76 females (63.3%) and 44 males (36.7%), with a mean age of 22.4 ± 8.9 years. Based on the DHC, 66 patients (55.0%) had a definite treatment need, 34 (28.3%) had a moderate need, and 20 (16.7%) had no need. Using the AC, 86 patients (71.7%) had no aesthetic treatment need, 19 (15.8%) had a moderate need, and 15 (12.5%) had a definite need. Orthodontic treatment need was not significantly associated with age, gender, or ethnicity (p > 0.05). A significant association was observed between the DHC and AC (χ² = 17.57, p = 0.002).

Conclusion: More than half of the patients had a definite orthodontic treatment need based on dental health criteria, despite most having no perceived aesthetic need. Using both components of the IOTN provides a more comprehensive assessment of orthodontic treatment priority.