Tooth attrition patterns in a group of Iraqi adults sample with different classes of malocclusion (A comparative study)

Abstract

Background: Tooth attrition is wearing away of tooth structure during mastication. This study investigated tooth wear patterns in adults with different classes of malocclusion and compared them with normal occlusion. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 363 subjects that were divided into 5 groups with an age range “18- 25” years: 85 normal occlusion, 128 class I with crowding, 90 class II division 1, 30 class II division 2 and 30 class III. Dental wear was assessed by using a modified version of the tooth wear index. Results: 1. The class I malocclusion group had statistically greater tooth wear in incisal surfaces of maxillary central and lateral incisors, and mandibular lateral incisors than did the normal occlusion. 2. The class II division 1 group had statistically greater tooth wear in the occlusal surfaces of maxillary second premolars, mandibular first and second premolars. Buccal surfaces of mandibular canines, mandibular second premolars and mandibular first molars than did the normal occlusion. 3. The class II division 2 malocclusion group had statistically greater tooth wear in labial surfaces of mandibular central and lateral incisors. Buccal surfaces of mandibular second premolars, mandibular first molars. Occlusal surfaces of maxillary first and second premolars and mandibular second premolars than did normal occlusion. 4. The class III malocclusion group had statistically greater tooth wear in the occlusal surfaces of maxillary first and second premolars than did normal occlusion. Conclusion: In conclusion subjects with normal occlusion and those with different classes of malocclusions have different tooth wear patterns.