[Evaluations of self-perceived orthodontic treatment need using 2 different scales in adolescents].

Purpose: To evaluate the self-perceived dental aesthetics through visualized analogue scale (VAS) and aesthetic component (AC) of index of orthodontic treatment (IOTN) among adolescents in Shanghai area.

Methods: The investigation was carried out among 302 students (148 boys and 144 girls) aged 11-13 years. Self-perception of the dental aesthetic appearance was evaluated through VAS and AC. Additionally, the objective dental aesthetics were scored by orthodontists using AC and the actual dental attractiveness satisfaction was determined by a simple question. The data was analyzed using SPSS11.0 software package for Spearman correlation analysis.

Results: Generally, no statistically significant sex differences were found in relation to the VAS score and SAC degree (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between actual dental attractiveness satisfaction and self-perceived AC grade (r = 0.04. P = 0.441). However, statistically significant, positive, strong correlations were found between the actual dental attractiveness satisfaction and VAS score (r = 0.80, P = 0.000). And meaningful relation between the AC and VAS score was found.

Conclusions: VAS showed high ability to predict the self-perceived dental aesthetics and act as a simple and useful tool, which can be used in further investigations.