Occlusion and orthodontic treatment need of young Chinese adults

Aims: The aims were to study the occlusion, orthodontic treatment needs and the reasons for orthodontic treatment of young Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Methods: A convenient sample of 240 Chinese undergraduate students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) aged 18-27 years old was selected. A close-ended questionnaire was used to evaluate their orthodontic treatment demand. Among them, 120 participants (50%) were examined clinically by a calibrated examiner in the Dental Unit of the HKU to record the participants' occlusion using Angle's Classification. Their treatment needs were graded using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Participants who had undergone orthodontic treatment were excluded from the clinical examination. Re-examination of 10% of the students (12) was carried out to assess the intra-examiner agreement. Results: A total of 13% of the participants (31) had undergone orthodontic treatment. Among those without previous orthodontic treatment, the most prevalent molar relationship was Class I (Left: 68%, Right: 78%). There were 47% of the students had moderate orthodontic treatment needs and 33% had great or very great treatment needs. The three most common reasons given by participants demanding orthodontic treatment were to improve appearance, self image and self confidence. Conclusion: The most prevalent molar relationship was Class I. A majority (80%) of them needed orthodontic treatment and the common reasons for orthodontic demand were to improve appearance, self image and self confidence.