Body dysmorphic disorder in adult orthodontic treatment candidates according to the index of treatment need

Body image perception plays an important role in seeking orthodontic treatment. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological condition where an individual constantly focuses on flaws in their appearance. This study aimed to assess BDD in adult orthodontic treatment candidates according to the index of treatment need (IOTN) in Qazvin city in 2020. This descriptive study was conducted on 404 eligible patients over 18 years of age presenting to dental clinics in Qazvin seeking orthodontic treatment. The patients were categorized according to their IOTN (grades 1–5) and filled out the Body Deformation Metacognition Questionnaire (BDMCQ). Data were analyzed by t-test and Analysis of Variance using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Of all the patients, 50.2% were grade 1 (no need for treatment),and 1.5% were grade 5 (very great need for treatment). Furthermore, 54.5% of patients had severe BDD. BDD had no significant correlation with gender or marital status (P > 0.05). BDD was significantly correlated with age, educational level, and IOTN grade (P < 0.05). The present results revealed that over 50% of patients seeking orthodontic treatment did not need treatment, according to the IOTN. Dental clinicians are advised to be more careful in accepting patients with a history of psychological problems and numerous surgical procedures who seek cosmetic treatments.