An Appraisal of Orthodontic Borderline Treatment Need Using GBON (Guide for Borderline Orthodontic Treatment Need) Index and AI (Aesthetic Index) in Local Select Population

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the Orthodontic Borderline treatment need using the "Guide for orthodontic borderline treatment need" index (GBON) and the Aesthetic Index (AC) of DHC 3 (Dental health component) in order to compare the reliability, ease of use, and appropriateness of these indices in a local, selected population.
Materials and methods: This research is a descriptive analysis of a cross-sectional population. A group of ten skilled orthodontists evaluated 37 cases of borderline malocclusions using the GBON and AC indices, and answered to a questionnaire.
Results: Assessors were 60% women, 30% males. By gender, IOTN calibration, and index order, GBON and AC scores were compared. Differences were assessed using chi-square. Significant category differences were found with a Chi-square value of 52.96 (P-value = 0.0339). The inter-rater reliability of each index was evaluated using Cronbach's α coefficient. GBON and AC indices had acceptable reliability scores, with AC ranking higher. The GBON Index found 8 of 37 patients needed therapy. With the AC index, 22 of 37 patients require therapy. GBON and AC indices agree well within the same rater, with a kappa value of 0.253.
Conclusion: GBON and AC demonstrated equal inter- and intra-examiner reliability. AC was better at identifying malocclusal features requiring therapy than GBON. GBON was proven to be more user-friendly and suitable for assessing DHC 3 malocclusions than AC.