ABSTRACT
Malocclusions and dental deformities mainly affect aesthetics and function. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs in adolescents from the northeast of Brazil aged between 13 and 17 years. A sample of 434 schoolchildren aged 13 to 17 years, 231 boys and 203 girls, were randomly selected from 12 public schools in urban area. The sample selection was carried out in two stages: first, schools were selected by simple sampling, and then children were chosen using a proportionality coefficient. Data were collected through clinical examinations and interviews, after examiner calibration [k=0.88]. Information regarding occlusal alterations [Dental Aesthetic Index] and subjective perceptions on occlusal pathologies were collected by means of structured questionnaires submitted to the students. Yates' chi-square test verified the association between the variables and odds ratio. Significance level was set at 5%. The prevalence of malocclusion was 58.1% and there was no statistically significant gender difference of DAI scores [P=0.936]. Sixty-seven percent of the children presented normal occlusion/mild occlusal pathologies [DAI 30]. There were statistically significant differences between the variable anterior open bite and severity of occlusal pathologies [p<0.001]. Based on DAI criteria, a high prevalence of malocclusion was found and show the need of occlusal treatment for Brazo;oam adeloscent population