Expert Consensus on the Evaluation of Orthodontic Treatment Outcomes.

Abstract

To overcome the reliance on subjective clinical judgment and the inadequacy of international indices in reflecting Chinese orthodontic expertise and patient characteristics, the Chinese Stomatological Association developed an expert consensus on orthodontic treatment outcome evaluation. This first systematically calibrated framework tailored to Chinese populations was established through an extensive process: comprehensive literature review, analysis of the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the American Board of Orthodontics Objective Grading System (ABO-OGS) indices and a large-scale subjective-objective correlation study involving 65 standing committee members evaluating 216 completed cases. The resulting 3D evaluation system encompasses occlusal relationships, root and bone health and facial profile harmony. Occlusal assessment includes six core indicators: incisor horizontal overlap, vertical overlap, sagittal relationship, alignment, occlusal contact and buccal lingual inclination. Root and bone health evaluation mandates CBCT-based assessment of root resorption, fenestration and dehiscence, the first mandatory inclusion of 3D radiographic evaluation in orthodontic outcome standards. Facial profile analysis comprises five cephalometric measurements (ANB, MP/SN, Sn-GPos, UL-E and Bs-GPos) evaluated using a standardised difference method. Each dimension provides detailed specifications for evaluation materials, objective indicators, measurement methods, scoring criteria and a five-grade classification (excellent, good, fair, poor and worst) based on total deduction scores aligned with expert consensus percentiles. This consensus aims to standardise clinical practice, establish a scientific foundation for treatment quality control and specialist certification, provide morphological evaluation criteria for research and enhance orthodontic care quality in China. Despite being focused on static morphology, the framework is designed to accommodate future integration of functional assessment and long-term stability evaluation.