Comparison between normative and self-perceived needs

The aesthetic aspect plays an important role in the social interaction of individuals. In some situations, the presence of aligned teeth seems to have a strong influence on the perception of beauty, identification with professional success and intelligence, and is even associated with more socially advantaged individuals. Orthodontic treatments are carried out in the hope of improving the appearance and masticatory function of individuals and are generally indicated and carried out using clinical or epidemiological criteria (normative needs), i.e. based on professional decisions. However, these criteria can overestimate occlusion problems. The aim of this study was to compare the technically defined orthodontic needs (normative criteria) and the self-perceived needs (subjective criteria) of 428 adolescents aged between 15 and 19, of both genders, from the Londrina-PR public school system. Clinical examinations were conducted to verify the presence of malocclusions (normative need for orthodontic treatment), using the diagnostic criteria established by the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).