Abstract
BackgroundEpidemiological data on malocclusion among Chinese children are scant. The aim of this study was to provide detailed information on the prevalence of malocclusion in early mixed dentition children in Shanghai, China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2016 to April 2017, and 2,810 children aged 7- to 9- years were selected from 10 primary schools by cluster random sampling. Several occlusal parameters, including Angle molar relationship, overjet, overbite, open bite, anterior and posterior crossbite, midline displacement, scissors bite, and teeth crowding and spacing, were clinically registered by five calibrated orthodontic dentists.ResultsWe found that 79.4% children presented one or more occlusal anomalies. Angle Class I, Class II and Class III molar relationship were recorded in 42.3%, 50.9% and 5.9% of the sample, respectively. The proportion of Class III increased from 5.0% at age 7 to 7.8% at age 9. In the sagittal plane, increased overjet >3 mm was observed in 40.8% subjects, while the prevalence of severe overjet (>8 mm), anterior edge-to-edge (zero overjet) and anterior crossbite were 5.2%, 8.1% and 10.5%, respectively. Vertically, deep overbite >2/3 overlap was found in 6.2% of the children and open bite in 4.3%. Boys exhibited a higher rate of overbite than girls. For the transversal occlusal anomalies, 36.1% of the children had a midline displacement, which was followed by posterior crossbite (2.6%) and scissors bite (1.0%). Teeth space discrepancies were also common anomalies and anterior crowding (>2 mm) affecting 28.4% of the children, while anterior spacing (>4 mm) affecting 9.5%. Girls showed a higher prevalence of anterior crowding and a lower frequency of teeth spacing than boys.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that malocclusion is prevalent among children in the early mixed dentition, and more health resources should be warranted to meet the challenge of prevention or early intervention of malocclusion.
Highlights
Malocclusion is one of the most common oral disorders among children, and it affects the oral masticatory function and the craniofacial development and facial appearance
Several longitudinal observations have revealed that a substantial number of malocclusions occur during this period (Dimberg et al, 2015; Dimberg et al, 2013; Gois et al, 2012), and the accumulated evidence has indicated that early intervention starting from the mixed dentition would benefit the youngsters with Class III malocclusion, crossbite, crowding and posterior crossbite (Gianelly, 2002; Keski-Nisula et al, 2008; Lippold et al, 2013; Mitani, 2002)
The relationship of the first molars was classified according to the Angle classification; 42.3% children showed a Class I relationship, 50.9% children were Class II, and 5.9% were Class III
Summary
Malocclusion is one of the most common oral disorders among children, and it affects the oral masticatory function and the craniofacial development and facial appearance. Children with certain malocclusion traits appear to have more problems related to psychology and social interactions, and even their quality of life suffers when they reach adulthood (Martins-Junior, Marques & Ramos-Jorge, 2012; Nguyen et al, 1999; Stenvik, Espeland & Berg, 2011). For this reason, malocclusion is regarded as an emerging public health issue. Several occlusal parameters, including Angle molar relationship, overjet, overbite, open bite, anterior and posterior crossbite, midline displacement, scissors bite, and teeth crowding and spacing, were clinically registered by five calibrated orthodontic dentists. Our study demonstrated that malocclusion is prevalent among children in the early mixed dentition, and more health resources should be warranted to meet the challenge of prevention or early intervention of malocclusion
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