RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Although the association between orthodontic treatment and dental health has been studied previously, no studies have hitherto investigated whether the need for, or the receipt of, orthodontic treatment leads to differences in tooth wear in the long term. METHODS: In this retrospective, cross-sectional, association study, an index specifically designed for dental study casts was used to examine tooth wear in 307 adults aged 30 to 31 years. RESULTS: The men showed significantly higher levels of tooth wear than did the women. No significant differences in tooth wear in relation to need for or receipt of orthodontic treatment were recorded. Likewise, there appeared to be no significant association between tooth wear and reported intake of acidic drinks and foods. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the need for nor the provision of orthodontic treatment contributes to increased tooth wear.