The Dental Aesthetic Index and Its Association with Dental Caries, Dental Plaque and Socio-Demographic Variables in Schoolchildren Aged 12 and 15 Years

Abstract

The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was determined in 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren to ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion and to assess its association with dental caries experience, dental plaque accumulation, and socio-demographic variables. We performed a cross-sectional study with a stratified two-stage sampling design. An oral health survey and oral examination were conducted, and socio-demographic data were recorded. The sample comprised 1453 schoolchildren aged 12 (868) and 15 (585). These two samples were analyzed separately because statistically significant differences were found: the 12-year-old age group displayed a higher frequency of schoolchildren who attended state-run public schools (p = 0.004) and belonged to a lower social class (p = 0.001); the 15-year-old age group registered higher levels of caries (p = 0.001) and lower levels of dental plaque (p < 0.001). The malocclusion was 9.5% higher (p = 0.001), and the global mean DAI score was likewise higher among the 12-year-olds (p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis not only showed that caries and dental plaque were the variables that were the most strongly associated with malocclusion, but that caries (OR = 1.5) and dental plaque (OR > 2) were also risk factors for malocclusion in both groups. In conclusion, this study revealed a higher prevalence of malocclusion and dental plaque at age 12. A higher risk of caries and dental plaque was found to be related to the presence of malocclusion in both age groups.

Evaluation of different aesthetic indices for planning orthodontic treatment

“…However, there were some studies which have findings not similar to our study. These studies showed that DAI require less time in assessment of need for orthodontic treatment by assessment of dental aesthetics [ 2 - 6 ]. Since its introduction in 1986, the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) has been extensively used in numerous epidemiological studies to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic care [ 13 - 16 ].…”

“…Over the last three decades, there has been a significant surge of requests for orthodontic therapy [ 1 , 2 ]. The social science studies show that an unsatisfactory dental appearance can stigmatize, obstruct professional development and community acceptance, promote discrimination, and negatively impact self-concept provide the basis for recommendations for treatment based on aesthetic impairment [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed it as a suggested technique for evaluating malocclusion within a year after it was published [3-8]. The DAI relies on a mathematical formula that adds together the values of occlusal parameters related to malocclusion (missing teeth, over jet, irregularity, crowding, open-bite, molar class and spacing, , in order to provide a score [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The DAI offers a wealth of information about the kind and degree of malocclusion and is dependable, impartial, and simple to utilize These parameters include the width-to-height proportions of the maxillary anterior teeth, incisor angulations, papilla height, root coverage, gingival contour, smile line, location of the dental and facial midline and lip line.…”

Maxillofacial Morphology as a Predictive Factor for Caries Risk in Orthodontic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Saliva-based caries risk assessment has gained attention as a non-invasive and convenient method for evaluating the patients' oral condition; many dental clinics perform caries risk assessments using saliva. However, reports addressing the impact of maxillofacial morphology on salivary characteristics are scarce, although malocclusion has been reported to increase the risk of caries [24,25]. Furthermore, the correlation between maxillofacial morphology and caries risk remains unclear.…”

Evaluation of the Dental Aesthetic Index among patients with cleft palate and cleft lip, with or without cleft palate

“…The DAI is distinguished by the fact that it produces a single score for a given patient, incorporating the subject's appearance and function. The Index has been used in numerous epidemiological analyses on large sets of patients to determine the need for orthodontic treatment in a selected age group [1,2,3], ethnic group [4], country [5] or region [6,7]. According to Chrystiane F. Cardoso et al DAI is a reliable tool for conducting epidemiological studies [8].…”