Subjective Opinions of Dental Attractiveness and Orthodontic Treatment Need among Nigerian Adolescents

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the opinions of a cross-section of 12-18 year old Nigerians about dental aesthetics and to compare the report with their self – perceived need for orthodontic treatment. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 612 12-18 year old Nigerian adolescents who were randomly selected from 6 secondary schools in SouthSouth Nigeria to assess their opinions of dental aesthetics, whilst the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to assess their selfperceived orthodontic treatment need. Results: Majority (78.1%) of the population expressed satisfaction with the arrangement of their teeth, whilst 82% did not perceive any need for orthodontic treatment (AC Grades 1-4). Their self – perceived orthodontic treatment need was found to increase as their satisfaction with the arrangement of their teeth decreased. Conclusions and recommendations: Although majority of the adolescents realized the importance of dental aesthetics, there was a general low awareness of the presence of their malocclusions. We are recommending that populations in this area be more enlightened on the presence and treatment of malocclusion.