Prevalence of Dental Anomalies among Orthodontic Patients

Dental anomalies are clinically evident abnormalities which can cause vari¬ous dental problems, which may complicate orthodontic treatment planning. Clinical & radiological inspection play crucial role in identification of various anomalies. This study was carried over the period of 2 years to determine the pattern and distribution of various morphological dental anomalies among orthodontic patients. Demographic details along with detailed medical, dental and family histories were obtained from every patient. In addition to the intraoral examination, study casts and dental panoramic radiograph were also evaluated for dental anomalies causing disturbance in number, size, form, and location of teeth. Patients with syndromes were not included in the study. Out of 520 patients, dental anomalies were present in 83 (16%) patients. Hypodontia was the most prevalent dental anomaly occurring in 37 (7.1%) patients & maxillary lateral incisor was found to be the most commonly missing tooth. Microdontia was second most prevalent dental anomaly observed in 21 (4%) patients with the maxillary lateral incisor being the most commonly affected tooth. Double tooth was rare finding present only in 1 (0.19%) patient. All dental anomalies showed higher prevalence in female patients except for double tooth and transposition which were more prevalent in male patients. . Dental anomalies can lead to disturbance in occlusion. Orthodontists have the responsibility to observe each patient carefully for various dental anomalies and have full knowledge of them as it can help them in planning treatment for these patients and executing them without any complications.