RESUMO
Nowadays, dentofacial deformity is one of the most common problems which can influence all aspects of human's life. Howerer, not all people with these deformities are aware of their problem and even refuse to seek orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the need and demand for orthodontic treatment among guidance school's pupils in the year 2005- 2006. In this cross sectional study 750 students including 420 girls and 330 boys from guidance school were examined. The clinical occlusal relationships were evaluated, then the need for orthodontic treatment was estimated by using Index of Treatment Need [IOTN]. Demand was assessed with a closed questionnaire containing reasons for acceptance or refusal of orthodontic treatment. Overall frequency of malocclusion was 50.55% with a higher frequncy among girls [p<0.05], compare to boys 41.53% of the pupils, most of them with increased overbite, sought orthodontic treatment. The demand for treatment was the same in boys and girls in mild malocclusions, but in severe cases girls had more demand. The demand rate was significantly higher in pupils with high socioeconomic levels [p<0.05], parents education had no significant effect on this value. Considering our findings, seeking orthodontic treatment in pupils with dentofacial deformity is not based on parents' education, but economic condition is a major limiting factor in this field