RESUMO
In contemporay orthodontics, the number of people who demand orthodontic treatment for improving their psychosocial problems retated to facial esthetic has been increased. Even in treatment planning more attention has been give to appearance and esthetic. The purpose of this study was to determin relationship between orthodontic treatment required according to the Dental Aesthetic Index [DAI] and student's perception in 11-14 year- olds in Ahwaz. This decriptive cross sectional study was performed on 900 students [450 girls, 450 boys]. The students that participated in this study were those who did not received any orthodontic treatment before or at the time of the study. Two questionnaires were used, the first one included different DAI criteria and second one included some questions about the students' perception on the appearance of their teeth. The results were analyzed by Chi-Square test and T-test. In 70.9% students DAI score was 13-25, which indicates no treatment to minimal treatment is necessary. In 19.2% students DAI score was 26-30 which presented definite malocclusion with optional treatment. In 7.8% students DAI score was 31-35 that which showed sever malocclusion with treatment highly desirable. In 2.1% students, the DAI score was greater than 35 which showed very sever malocclusion and treatment is mandatory. The relationship between the DAI Score and sex, chewing and talking were not statistically significant. But the relationship between the DAI score and orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction of dental appearance were significant [P=0.000]. In comparison to other studies, the students in Ahwaz had a better dental appearance and minimal need for orthodontic treatment. 1] A significant relationship exists between the need for orthodontic treatment and student's perception [P=0.000]. 2] In comparing the two sexes, boys had a greater need for orthodontic treatment, but is not statistically significant. 3] The relationship of the DAI score and a person's satisfaction of dental appearance, anxiety in laughing, person's appearance in relation to other students and being ridiculed were significant [P=0.000]