The Functional Need for Orthognathic Treatment in a Nigerian Orthodontic Population

Abstract

Background: The functional need for orthognathic treatment among the orthodontic population in Nigeria is unknown. This study therefore evaluated malocclusion types, orthodontic treatment need and the functional need for orthognathic treatment in a Nigerian orthodontic population.

Methods: Clinical Records of 94 patients who presented for orthodontic treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University  Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife were evaluated. Orthodontic treatment need was determined with the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), functional need for orthognathic treatment was determined with the Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need (IOFTN). SPSS version 26.0 was used for analysis.

Results: Angles class I malocclusion was predominant in the population (77.6%). Based on the Aesthetic Component (AC) of IOTN, 31.9% had great need for treatment, while 57.4% had great need for treatment with the Dental Health Component (DHC). The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) gave 55.3% as having very severe malocclusions with treatment considered mandatory. The IOFTN determined 31(33.0%) as having no need, 9 (9.6%) mild need, 10 (10.6%) moderate need, 34 (36.2%) great need and 10 (10.6%) very great need for orthognathic treatment. Moderate significant correlation was observed between DHC of IOTN and IOFTN (r = 0.411), DAI and IOFTN (r = 0.376) and AC of IOTN and IOFTN (r = 0.303) showed low significant correlations.

Conclusion: A significant proportion of the population studied had functional need for orthognathic treatment, with increased overjet, increased overbite with trauma and speech difficulties as the main indicators. Comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary care are essential to address functional orthognathic needs