Assessment of orthodontic treatment needs in patients with β-thalassemia major and sickle cell disease

Abstract

Patients suffering from hemoglobinopathies may suffer from pathogic dental and orofacial features. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment in patients with β-thalassemia major (BTM) and sickle cell disease (SCD). The study was conducted on 311 blood transfusion-dependent patients with BTM or SCD and 400 healthy individuals aged 10 to 16. The types of malocclusion were evaluated based on Angle’s classification and Dewey’s modification, and their oral habits were recorded using a questionnaire. The need for orthodontic treatment was assessed through the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and the data were compared with normal participants. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need-Dental Health Component (IOTN-DHC) assessment showed that patients had a higher prevalence of objective need for treatment (IOTN grades 4 and 5) compared to healthy children. The prevalence of class II malocclusion was significantly higher in patients. Patients showed significantly less Angle’s Class I malocclusion compared to normal participants. Oral habits were presented in 61%, 64.15% and 62.4% of normal participants, BTM and SCD patients, respectively. The higher prevalence of Angle’s class II malocclusion and higher percentage of IOTN grade 4 and 5 among BTM and SCD patients reveal the importance of early orthodontic assessment and intervention in children with BMT and SDC.