The relationship of malocclusion as assessed by the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) with perceptions of aesthetics, function, speech and treatment needs among 14- to 15-year-old schoolchildren of Bangalore, India.

Abstract

Most of the subjects were satisfied with the appearance of their teeth, masticatory function and speech. The perception of dissatisfaction with dental appearance increased with increasing severity of malocclusion. However, the same did not apply for masticatory function and speech. Self-perception of treatment need was low.