Self-perception of malocclusion of Saudi patients using the aesthetic component of the IOTN index

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to assess the self-perception of patients toward their dental appearance using the Aesthetic Component [AC] of IOTN index compared with an investigator's rating and whether age and gender had any influence. A sample of 371 patients was selected from patients seeking orthodontic treatment in Dammam Central Hospital. The sample was divided into two age groups, adolescents and adults and the Aesthetic Component of the IOTN Index was applied. The results showed that patients scored themselves as having an attractive dentition with no need for orthodontic treatment [45.3%]. The highest investigator's scoring revealed that 46% of the patients were in grade 3-4 indicating a slight need for orthodontic treatment. There was a significant difference between the professional and the patient's rating [p<0.05]. Further, the gender and age did not influence the selfperception