Abstract
The present study, which focused on Lithuanian 11-15-year-old schoolchildren, was aimed to describe the frequency of orthodontic anomalies in terms of self-reported complaints about malposed teeth and malocclusion and self-reported use of orthodontic appliances (removable or braces) across different sociodemographic strata. The study population comprised 5632 schoolchildren surveyed in the 2005-2006 school year according to the WHO collaborative cross-national HBSC study in Lithuania. Almost half (47.5%) of schoolchildren reported orthodontic complaints. Therefore, only 15.8% of total population or 27.0% of schoolchildren who had orthodontic complaints reported wearing orthodontic appliances. Several municipalities of Lithuania with a high prevalence of orthodontic problems among schoolchildren were identified. Orthodontic problems were more prevalent among girls than boys. The prevalence of orthodontic complaints was not associated with social factors, while the use of orthodontic appliances was significantly related to social determinants. Children from rural areas were 2.44 times less likely of wearing orthodontic appliances than those living in cities, and children from families with low affluence were 2.33 times less likely of wearing orthodontic appliances than children from high-affluence families. There is a considerable variation and high social inequalities in need of orthodontic treatment among schoolchildren across different municipalities in Lithuania.
Highlights
Scientific research shows that orthodontic anomalies are one of the most common dental pathologies with a prevalence ranging from 39% to 93% among children [1,2,3,4,5]
The prevalence of orthodontic anomalies in Lithuania has not been thoroughly investigated; in 2002, the study performed at the Clinic of Orthodontics, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences reported estimates that the prevalence of such anomalies among 7–15-year-old Lithuanian children could reach about 85% [6]
The place of residency was categorized into 4 groups: cities (n=967 or 17.2%), centers of rural municipalities (n=1616 or 28.8%), small towns (n=1194 or Results “Have you ever observed that your teeth grow abnormally and there is malocclusion?” This question was positively answered by 2672 children, and this accounted for about half of the sample (47.5%); 14.4% of schoolchildren reported that it was confirmed by doctor, and 33.1% reported based on personal opinion
Summary
Scientific research shows that orthodontic anomalies are one of the most common dental pathologies with a prevalence ranging from 39% to 93% among children [1,2,3,4,5]. Diagnosis of orthodontic anomalies among children usually implies the detection of morphologic changes in dental clinics [7,8,9]. Such an investigation is relatively expensive, and cheaper alternatives are considered when trying to tackle orthodontic issues at public health level. Subjective, self-reported oral health measures are successfully employed in research among adult populations [9, 10] Such measures are being successfully implemented in research on children [11,12,13,14,15]. Recent studies suggest that age-adjusted questionnaires for children are relatively valid and proper instruments for evaluation of oral health [16,17,18], demonstrating that 12-year-old children are sufficiently aware about their oral health and its related factors [19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
