THE NEED AND DEMAND FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN 13 TO 15-YEAR-OLDS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

The need for orthodontic treatment in Kenya has previously not been in vestigated. This study was undertaken to assess the need for orthodont ic treatment in 13- to 15-year-old children in Nairobi. The objective need was assessed in 919 children by using the Norwegian treatment nee d index, and the subjective need was assessed in 739 children by using a structured questionnaire. Objective treatment need was recorded in 29% and subjective need in 33% of the children. Less than 1% were allo cated the 'very great need' category. Relatively more girls than boys were dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth, and a significan tly higher number of girls (P < 0.001) said they would like to have th eir teeth straightened. The children's perceived need for treatment co rrelated significantly with the treatment need index. Fixed appliances were found necessary for correcting malocclusion in 23% of the childr en and removable appliances in 6%. Future studies in Kenya should be d irected at determining the societal perception of malocclusion, upon w hich treatment standards may be based.