Increase education on dental and jaw health

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 19 views

The Severity of Malocclusion and the Needs of Orthodontic Care Based on the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) in Students of SMA Negeri 18 Medan

Malocclusion is a common dental issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including adolescents. It is a condition in which there is a mismatch in the relationship of teeth or jaw, which can interfere with the function and aesthetics of the tooth in the sufferer. As a result, it is essential to assess the severity of malocclusion and the needs of orthodontic care among adolescents to prevent long-term impacts on their dental health. One of the assessment tools used to measure the severity of the malocclusion is the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON). This article aims to discuss the severity of malocclusion and the needs of orthodontic care among students of SMA Negeri 18 Medan using the ICON approach.

Research Methodology

The research conducted was analytic with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, where samples were taken based on certain criteria. As many as 68 students who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were involved in this study. In the research process, the printing of the upper and lower jaw tooth models, as well as taking intraoral photos for each subject. The tooth model and the photo results were then analyzed to obtain an assessment based on the ICON.

The ICON is a widely used assessment tool in orthodontics that evaluates the severity of malocclusion based on three components: complexity, outcome, and need. The complexity component assesses the difficulty of the malocclusion, while the outcome component evaluates the impact of the malocclusion on the patient's quality of life. The need component assesses the level of orthodontic care required to address the malocclusion.

Research Results

The results showed that the percentage of malocclusion severity among students was as follows: 50% for the very mild category, 32.4% for lightweight, 2.9% for the medium category, 11.8% for severe, and 2.9% for Very severe. It is known that the severity of malocclusion in women tends to be higher than men, with a percentage of 20.6% for women and 14.7% for men.

Meanwhile, in terms of orthodontic care needs, 75% of respondents do not need maintenance, while the other 25% require treatment. The level of treatment needs also shows that women have a higher percentage (29.4%) compared to men (20.6%).

Analysis and Discussion

Statistical testing using Chi-Square Pearson shows a significant relationship between the severity of the malocclusion and the level of orthodontic care needs, with the value of P = 0,000, which means p <0.05. This indicates that the more severe the severity of the malocclusion experienced by a person, the higher their need to get orthodontic care.

It is essential to note that although the majority of students show the severity of malocclusion that are mild to very light, they still need attention in terms of dental and jaw health education. Increasing awareness about orthodontic care can help them understand the importance of early intervention, especially for those who are in a severe and very severe category.

Overall, this research provides valuable insight into the prevalence of malocclusion among adolescents and emphasizes the importance of timely evaluation and orthodontic care to improve the quality of life and health of their dental in the future.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the severity of malocclusion has a significant effect on the needs of orthodontic care in students of SMA Negeri 18 Medan. Efforts to increase education on dental and jaw health and access to proper orthodontic care are needed to prevent the long-term impact of malocclusion.

Recommendations

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

Increase education on dental and jaw health: Efforts should be made to increase education on dental and jaw health among adolescents to raise awareness about the importance of orthodontic care.
Improve access to orthodontic care: Efforts should be made to improve access to orthodontic care for adolescents, especially those who are in a severe and very severe category.
Early intervention: Early intervention is essential to prevent the long-term impact of malocclusion. Efforts should be made to identify and treat malocclusion early to prevent its progression.
Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring of dental and jaw health is essential to detect any changes or abnormalities in the teeth and jaw.

By implementing these recommendations, it is possible to prevent the long-term impact of malocclusion and improve the quality of life and health of adolescents.

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 severity of malocclusion and the needs of orthodontic care among students of SMA Negeri 18 Medan, which may not be representative of the broader population.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Increase the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Assess the effectiveness of orthodontic care: Future studies should aim to assess the effectiveness of orthodontic care in improving the quality of life and health of adolescents.
Explore the impact of malocclusion on quality of life: Future studies should aim to explore the impact of malocclusion on the quality of life of adolescents.

By addressing these limitations and exploring new research directions, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the severity of malocclusion and the needs of orthodontic care among adolescents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malocclusion and Orthodontic Care

Malocclusion is a common dental issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including adolescents. It is a condition in which there is a mismatch in the relationship of teeth or jaw, which can interfere with the function and aesthetics of the tooth in the sufferer. As a result, it is essential to assess the severity of malocclusion and the needs of orthodontic care among adolescents to prevent long-term impacts on their dental health. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about malocclusion and orthodontic care.

Q: What is malocclusion?

A: Malocclusion is a condition in which there is a mismatch in the relationship of teeth or jaw, which can interfere with the function and aesthetics of the tooth in the sufferer.

Q: What are the symptoms of malocclusion?

A: The symptoms of malocclusion can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

Difficulty chewing or biting food
Difficulty speaking or articulating words
Tooth wear or chipping
Jaw pain or discomfort
Headaches or migraines

Q: What are the causes of malocclusion?

A: The causes of malocclusion can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. Some common causes include:

Genetics: Malocclusion can be inherited from one's parents.
Environmental factors: Malocclusion can be caused by environmental factors such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting.
Trauma: Malocclusion can be caused by trauma to the jaw or teeth.

Q: How is malocclusion diagnosed?

A: Malocclusion is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, medical history, and radiographic imaging. A dentist or orthodontist will examine the teeth and jaw to determine the severity of the malocclusion.

Q: What are the treatment options for malocclusion?

A: The treatment options for malocclusion depend on the severity of the condition. Some common treatment options include:

Orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces or clear aligners to straighten the teeth and correct the bite.
Dental restorations: Dental restorations such as crowns or bridges can be used to repair damaged teeth.
Jaw surgery: In some cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the bite or alignment of the teeth.

Q: How can I prevent malocclusion?

A: Preventing malocclusion requires a combination of good oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet. Some tips for preventing malocclusion include:

Brushing and flossing regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber.
Avoiding habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use.
Visiting a dentist or orthodontist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take?

A: The length of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the severity of the malocclusion and the individual's response to treatment. On average, orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.

Q: Is orthodontic treatment painful?

A: Orthodontic treatment can be uncomfortable at times, but it is not typically painful. Some people may experience mild discomfort or soreness during the first few days of treatment, but this usually subsides quickly.

Q: How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

A: The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the severity of the malocclusion and the individual's insurance coverage. On average, orthodontic treatment can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Q: Is orthodontic treatment worth it?

A: Yes, orthodontic treatment is worth it. Straightening the teeth and correcting the bite can improve the appearance of the smile, boost self-confidence, and improve overall oral health.

We hope this article has answered some of your frequently asked questions about malocclusion and orthodontic care. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact a dentist or orthodontist in your area.