Malocclusion Diagnosis: Normative Criteria and Self-Perception of Adolescents

"Objective: To estimate malocclusion prevalence, severity, treatment needs and self - perception in a group of students. Material and Methods: This cross - sectional study was carried out with 50 students aged 12 years who attended a public school in the municipality of Tapejara, Brazil in 2012. Oral exam concerning malocclusion was perf ormed by a single dentist (Dental Aesthetic Index) and a questionnaire about self - perception was applied. Data were presented in the form of descriptive analysis. Results: Prevalence of malocclusion was observed in 98% of students, and maxillary overjet was the most frequent malocclusion. According to the DAI index, 52% of students had indication for orthodontic treatment, and of these, 22% were considered severe or disabling malocclusion. Regarding the self - perc eption of adolescents about their oral health status, 86% of respondents reported the desire to use orthodontic appliance. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that malocclusion prevailed over normal occlusion. However, the perception of adolescents was hi gher compared to normative criteria. This suggests that small malocclusion problems are quickly perceived by adolescents."