Prevalence of orthodontic malocclusion in schoolchildren in Slovenia. A prospective aepidemiological study

Abstract

AIM: Dental malocclusions present the third-highest prevalence among oral pathologies. The occlusion is evaluated in primary, mixed and permanent dentition. Most orthodontic patients are treated in the early permanent dentition. Early detection of dental anomalies is important to prevent complications and can have short- and long-term benefits. The aepidemiological data on the prevalence of malocclusion are an important determinant in planning appropriate orthodontic services. Dentists have the responsibility to recognise, diagnose, and treat or refer anomalies. Data from previous studies showed that the incidence of malocclusions expands from 11% to 93%. The aim of the study is to find out the prevalence and types of malocclusions in schoolchildren during four school years and how they were registered by four general dentists in their offices. METHODS: The research was conducted over four consecutive school years during systematic examinations of schoolchildren from 1st to 9th grade. All primary schools (15 schools) in the area of Health Center Murska Sobota, Slovenia were included in the study. Dentists registered the presence and type of malocclusion. They prepared statistical data on the percentage of children with malocclusion and the percentage of represented malocclusion, as well as the statistical difference between genders. CONCLUSION: There is a high percentage of malocclusion in 9th graders (15-year-old), about 50%, and a low number of children undergoing orthodontic therapy.