A Relationship between Socio-economic Status and Orthodontic Treatment Need

Aims and objective: This study was aimed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status and both normatively assessed and self perceived need for orthodontic treatment. Materials and Method: The study was conducted regarding orthodontic treatment need and socioeconomic status in Udaipur, Rajasthan India. The Study population was between age group of 13 to 25 years. Two hundred seventy subjects were assessed for orthodontic treatment by trained and calibrated examiners. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need was the measuring instrument along with the questionnaire which asked: “Do you think your teeth need straightening? And question about the socioeconomic status.” Results: Normative assessed need and self perceived need for orthodontic treatment was more common among middle and lower class subjects than higher class subjects. Conclusion: Socioeconomic status affects normatively measured orthodontic treatment need through, as yet undefined mechanisms. It also affects a person’s perception of need for orthodontic treatment, but these two associations are separate. The mismatch of need and desire for treatment is a problem for orthodontists.