Evaluation of orthodontic treatment needs in school going children of south western Maharashtra population using aesthetic component of iotn index

Introduction: The IOTN is simple to use tool, for measuring the orthodontic treatment need and may be adequate for epidemiological purposes and public health planning. Identification of malocclusion in initial stages and immediately starting a simple orthodontic procedure results in prevention of the number of late orthodontic treatments which can be beneficial. The aim of study was evaluation of orthodontic treatment needs in school going children of south western Maharashtra population using aesthetic component of IOTN index. Materials and Methods: The age group selected was 6-12 yrs. with mixed dentition. Examination was done by a single operator by checking the aesthetic view of the samples and comparing them with set of ten colour photographs showing different levels of dental attractiveness i.e. SCAN. The aesthetic view was examined and marked according to the aesthetic view in SCAN Index. Results: Of the studied subjects (400) 103 subjects were having their aesthetic view as type 7 of the scan index which was the highest followed by 58 subjects having their aesthetic view as type 5 of the scan index. Conclusion: Borderline levels should be lowered. The dividing line between no need of treatment and need for treatment should be distinct. Further studies are required to evaluate if a layman in Khed wants to make a same judgment.