title: Evaluation of esthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need: The orthodontists' perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose was to assess orthodontic treatment need in a subpopulation as assessed by the orthodontists.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted on a sample population of 753 patients aged 20-25 years to assess the need for orthodontic treatment using the esthetic component (AC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The AC revealed that 78.1% of the sample exhibited no or slight need for treatment, 13.2% demonstrated moderate to borderline need, and 8.7% proved to have a definite need for orthodontic treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The AC-IOTN can definitely be considered to be used as a powerful tool for prioritizing orthodontic triage, patient counseling, and planning desired orthodontic mechanotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Pooja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kapoor
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Harpreet
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Singh
keywords: Esthetic component; index of orthodontic treatment need; treatment needs