Orthodontic treatment need and timing: Assessment of evolutive malocclusion conditions and associated risk factors

Authors

  • MM Grippaudo Dental and Maxillofacial Institute, Head and Neck Department, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome
  • V Quinzi Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Postgraduate School of Orthodontics, University of L'Aquila
  • A Manai Dental and Maxillofacial Institute, Head and Neck Department, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome
  • EG Paolantonio Dental and Maxillofacial Institute, Head and Neck Department, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome
  • F Valente Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara
  • G La Torre Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome
  • G Marzo Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Postgraduate School of Orthodontics, University of L'Aquila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.03.09

Keywords:

Malocclusions, Orthodontic treatment need indices, Risk factors

Abstract

AIM: Orthodontic treatment need indexes are indispensable tools for collecting aepidemiological information, to define the need for clinical intervention on a graduated risk scale and to monitor the evolution of clinical conditions over time. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and associated risk factors, and to compare the prevalence of malocclusion related to children's growth. Investigating the correlation between malocclusion and dental occlusion development is crucial to define orthodontic timing and the most suitable treatment modalities. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multi-center, observational study was carried out throughout Italy: 4,422 patients aged between 2 and 13 years were visited. The patients were divided into two age groups: one composed of patients aged 2 -7 years, and one of children between 8 and 13 years of age. The prevalence data were classified according to the items of the Baby ROMA (first group, deciduous/early mixed dentition) and ROMA Index (second group, late mixed/permanent dentition). Pearson's Chi-square test was applied for the calculation of statistical significance in the comparison of prevalence data between the two age groups (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: The study confirms that some risk factors occur during growth, and worsen the malocclusion. Therefore, it is important to reduce this risk of worsening by counteracting those factors with an early orthodontic intervention. Some malocclusions are less affected by environmental risk factors. In these case it would be better defer treatment until adolescence.