The Importance of Orthodontic Care

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 127 views

The Level of Orthodontic Care Needs Based on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) at SMP Negeri 2 Berastagi

Introduction

Teeth play a vital role in the body's metabolic processes and general health. However, many problems can arise in the structure of teeth and orals that can affect the appearance and health of individuals, one of which is malocclusion or abnormalities in the arrangement of teeth. Malocclusion, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a defect or functional disorder that has the potential to block one's physical and emotional health. To assess the needs of orthodontic care, one of the standards used is the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). IOTN is divided into two main components: Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC).

The Importance of Orthodontic Care

Orthodontic care is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing various problems that can arise from malocclusion. Malocclusion can lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and even breathing. It can also affect an individual's self-esteem and confidence. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the needs of orthodontic care to provide the necessary treatment and prevent these problems from arising.

Methodology

This study aims to explore the level of orthodontic care needs among students of SMP Negeri 2 Berastagi using IOTN. The methodology used is descriptive research with a cross-sectional approach. The research process involves taking intraoral photos and tooth printing on the sample. After that, an assessment of the photos was carried out and measurements on the tooth model that had been made.

Results

The results showed that based on DHC, most students, namely 55 people (55%), did not require orthodontic treatment. While 40 people (40%) show that they need a little treatment, 3 people (3%) require treatment in moderate levels, and 2 people (2%) really need treatment. Although there are no students who really need treatment, this finding shows that the majority of students are in a category that does not require orthodontic care.

In terms of AC, the results show that 89 people (89%) students do not or only need orthodontic care. There are only 7 people (7%) who need moderate treatment, while 4 people (4%) are included in the category in dire need of treatment.

Distribution of DHC Based on Sex and Age

Interestingly, DHC distribution based on sex shows that the category that does not require orthodontic treatment is dominated by male and female students, with 26 people (53.1%) male and 29 people (56.9%) of women. In addition, when viewed based on age, the age group 12-13 years recorded 26 people (56.5%) in the category that did not require treatment, while the age group 14-15 years amounted to 29 people (53.7%) in the same category.

Distribution of AC Based on Sex and Age

Based on further analysis of AC, the highest percentage for the not or slightly requires treatment is also found in male students (42 people or 85.7%) and women (47 people or 92.2%). In terms of age, the 12-13-year group includes 41 people (89.1%) and the group 14-15 years with 48 people (88.9%) in the category that does not or require orthodontic care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research provides a clear picture of the needs of orthodontic care at SMP Negeri 2 Berastagi. The results show that most students do not need orthodontic care, but are still important to conduct periodic evaluations to maintain oral health. Understanding the needs of orthodontics is not only beneficial for the physical health of students but can also have a positive impact on their emotional and social aspects. Given the importance of dental health, understanding of IOTN can help in determining the steps of the care needed to support the health of the younger generation of dentures.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Conduct periodic evaluations to maintain oral health and prevent various problems that can arise from malocclusion.
Provide education and awareness on the importance of orthodontic care and the benefits of regular dental check-ups.
Develop a comprehensive orthodontic care program that addresses the needs of students with varying levels of treatment needs.
Collaborate with dental professionals and educators to provide training and support for students and teachers on orthodontic care and oral health.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only assessed the needs of orthodontic care using IOTN, which may not capture the full range of orthodontic needs. Finally, the study did not explore the impact of orthodontic care on the emotional and social aspects of students.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to address the limitations of this study and explore the following research directions:

Conduct a larger-scale study to assess the needs of orthodontic care among students in different schools and regions.
Develop and validate a comprehensive orthodontic care program that addresses the needs of students with varying levels of treatment needs.
Explore the impact of orthodontic care on the emotional and social aspects of students.
Develop and implement a comprehensive education and awareness program on the importance of orthodontic care and the benefits of regular dental check-ups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a clear picture of the needs of orthodontic care at SMP Negeri 2 Berastagi. The results show that most students do not need orthodontic care, but are still important to conduct periodic evaluations to maintain oral health. Understanding the needs of orthodontics is not only beneficial for the physical health of students but can also have a positive impact on their emotional and social aspects. Given the importance of dental health, understanding of IOTN can help in determining the steps of the care needed to support the health of the younger generation of dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Orthodontic Care Needs Based on IOTN

Q: What is the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)?

A: The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is a standard used to assess the needs of orthodontic care. It is divided into two main components: Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC).

Q: What is the purpose of IOTN?

A: The purpose of IOTN is to provide a clear picture of the needs of orthodontic care and to help determine the steps of the care needed to support the health of the younger generation of dentures.

Q: What are the two main components of IOTN?

A: The two main components of IOTN are:

Dental Health Component (DHC): This component assesses the need for orthodontic treatment based on the health of the teeth and gums.
Aesthetic Component (AC): This component assesses the need for orthodontic treatment based on the appearance of the teeth.

Q: What is the significance of DHC in IOTN?

A: DHC is significant in IOTN because it assesses the need for orthodontic treatment based on the health of the teeth and gums. It helps to identify students who require orthodontic treatment to prevent various problems that can arise from malocclusion.

Q: What is the significance of AC in IOTN?

A: AC is significant in IOTN because it assesses the need for orthodontic treatment based on the appearance of the teeth. It helps to identify students who require orthodontic treatment to improve their self-esteem and confidence.

Q: What are the different levels of treatment needs based on IOTN?

A: The different levels of treatment needs based on IOTN are:

No treatment needed
Little treatment needed
Moderate treatment needed
Severe treatment needed

Q: How is IOTN used in practice?

A: IOTN is used in practice to assess the needs of orthodontic care and to determine the steps of the care needed to support the health of the younger generation of dentures. It is used by orthodontists and dental professionals to provide treatment and care to students with varying levels of treatment needs.

Q: What are the benefits of using IOTN?

A: The benefits of using IOTN include:

Providing a clear picture of the needs of orthodontic care
Helping to determine the steps of the care needed to support the health of the younger generation of dentures
Improving the health and well-being of students
Enhancing the self-esteem and confidence of students

Q: What are the limitations of IOTN?

A: The limitations of IOTN include:

It may not capture the full range of orthodontic needs
It may not be suitable for all students, especially those with complex orthodontic needs
It may require additional training and expertise to use effectively

Q: What are the future directions for IOTN?

A: The future directions for IOTN include:

Developing and validating a comprehensive orthodontic care program that addresses the needs of students with varying levels of treatment needs
Exploring the impact of orthodontic care on the emotional and social aspects of students
Developing and implementing a comprehensive education and awareness program on the importance of orthodontic care and the benefits of regular dental check-ups.