RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a necessidade normativa de tratamento ortodôntico e a percepção dessa necessidade entre alunos de 11-14 anos de idade. Métodos: realizou-se um estudo transversal com uma amostra de 346 alunos selecionados aleatoriamente de escolas públicas e privadas. O Índice de Estética Dental (DAI) foi utilizado para avaliar a necessidade normativa de tratamento ortodôntico (NNTO). A percepção da necessidade de tratamento entre os estudantes foi avaliada por meio de um questionário previamente validado. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson (α = 5%). Resultados: a prevalência de má oclusão e NNTO foi de 65,6%. Da amostra, 73,7% relataram que precisavam de tratamento, 66,2% queriam tratamento ortodôntico e 62,7% estavam satisfeitos com sua estética dentária. Observou-se associação estatisticamente significativa entre o NNTO e a percepção da necessidade de tratamento entre os alunos (p < 0,001). Conclusão: o presente estudo demonstrou alta prevalência de má oclusão, o que se refletiu na alta necessidade normativa de tratamento ortodôntico. A opinião dos pacientes sobre suas expectativas de tratamento ortodôntico deve ser valorizada. Os alunos perceberam a necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the normative need for orthodontic treatment and the perception of such need among students aged 11-14 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 346 students, randomly selected from public and private schools. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used to evaluate the normative need for orthodontic treatment (NNOT). The perceived need for treatment among students was assessed by a previously validated questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Pearson’s Chi-squared test (α = 5%). Results: The prevalence of malocclusion and NNOT was 65.6%. Of the sample, 73.7% felt they needed treatment, 66.2% wanted orthodontic treatment and 62.7% were satisfied with their dental aesthetics. A statistically significant association was observed between NNOT and the perception of the need for treatment among the students (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a high prevalence of malocclusion, which was reflected in the high normative need for orthodontic treatment. The opinion of patients regarding their expectations of orthodontic treatment should be valued. The students perceived a need for orthodontic treatment.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malocclusion and associations with socioeconomic indicators among preschoolers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 732 children 3 to 5 years of age in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. Three dentists underwent a calibration exercise (K = 0.85-0.90) and diagnosed malocclusion based on the criteria proposed by Foster & Hamilton and Grabowski et al. Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic aspects. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and bivariate Poisson regression (PR; α = 5%). The prevalence of malocclusion was 62.4%. The most frequent types were increased overjet (42.6%), anterior open bite (21%) and deep overbite (19.3%). An association was found between malocclusion and age: the prevalence of malocclusion was greater among younger children, with the highest prevalence among 3-year-olds (PR = 1.116; 95%CI = 1.049-1.187). The prevalence of malocclusion was high. Mother's schooling and household income were not associated with malocclusion. Socioeconomic factors were also not associated with the occurrence of malocclusion.