Pattern of Malocclusion and Assessment of Orthodontic Treatment Need for the Population of Mid-Western Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Malocclusion is malalignment or abnormal relationship between maxillary and mandibular teeth. The prevalence
of malocclusion varies due to genetic, racial, and environmental factors. Understanding the distribution of malocclusion in specific geographic areas can help orthodontists to address challenges by planning preventive, interceptive and corrective treatment approaches among targeted population.

Aims: To assess the prevalence of various malocclusion traits and to evaluate the orthodontic treatment need based on the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment need.

Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study. The study included patients of age (8-58 years) with intact permanent first molars. It was carried out among patients who visited the Outpatient Department of Dental College – Nepalgunj Medical College, and those attending dental camps, based on the inclusion criteria. Molar relationships were recorded based on Angle’s classification of malocclusion and according to the criteria laid down by the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment.

Results: A total of 500 patients were included in the study. Among them, 311 (62.2%) were males and 189 (37.8%) were females with male:female ratio 1.6:1. The mean age of patients was found to be 21.06 years. Angle’s Class I (68.2%) was most prevalent malocclusion
whereas Angle’s Class III was observed in 9.6 % of total samples followed by Angle’s Class II Div2 (9.4%). The Index of Orthodontic
Treatment showed that 2.6% had an extreme treatment need, 4.2% had severe treatment need, 23.2% had moderate treatment need, 26.6% had mild treatment need, and 43.4% had no treatment need.

Conclusion: The most prevalent malocclusion in our study is Angle’s Class I in both male and female patients. Crowding was the most prevalent occlusal traits observed whereas hypodontia was the least.