Purpose: This study investigates the differences in perception of orthodontic treatment need among pedodontists, orthodontists, general dentists and laypeople evaluated in 9–12-years-old children using standardized intraoral photographs and Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Methods: A survey was conducted among four groups: pedodontists, orthodontists, general dentists and laypeople. A total of 255 participants completed the survey, consisting of 63 pedodontists, 57 orthodontists, 57 general dentists and 78 laypeople. The survey included intraoral frontal photographs of 12 different cases presenting various types of malocclusions before any orthodontic intervention. All participants were asked to evaluate the orthodontic treatment need of each case by assigning a score on a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) placed below each photograph. Group comparisons were conducted using the Independent Samples t-test and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), as appropriate. Result: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the groups, as orthodontists perceived higher treatment need scores, while general dentists showed a tendency to underestimate the necessity for treatment. Laypeople predominantly focused on aesthetic aspects, often overlooking functional aspects of malocclusions. Additionally, age and gender influenced perception, with older participants and females perceiving treatment need higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences are observed in the perception of orthodontic treatment need in accordance with the evaluator’s age, gender and profession. Hence, orthodontic treatment decision should be made intently considering these differences to fulfill the divergent expectations of each patient.