title: Index of orthodontic treatment need in obese adolescents.
abstract: Aim. This case-control retrospective study is aimed at assessing if obese adolescents need more orthodontic treatment in comparison with normal-weight patients of the same age. Methods. The test group included 100 obese subjects (50 males and 50 females; average age: 13.09 ± 1.19 years old) and the control group included 100 normal-weight patients matched for age and sex (50 males and 50 females; average age: 13.07 ± 1.26 years old). Clinical examinations were conducted on dental casts to assess the need of orthodontic treatment, by using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) (DHC, dental health component; AC, aesthetic components). Results. No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between the two groups with regard to AC. Obese females showed a significant (P < 0.05) higher percentage of DHC 3 (32%) in comparison to the normal-weight girls (22%); for the other grades of DHC and for the single kind of malocclusion, no significant difference was found. Conclusions. Obese adolescents showed a similar need for orthodontic treatment compared to normal-weight patients of the same age. However, in obese females, a slightly greater need for orthodontic treatment was observed, compared to normal-weight patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Rita
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Giuca
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1430-7535
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pasini
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.affiliation: University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Dental Clinic, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tecco
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Necozione
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gatto