Pattern of malocclusion in orthodontic patients: a hospital based study.

BACKGROUND Dental malocclusion is present in all societies but its prevalence varies. Identifying occlusal problems, their incidence and the need for treatment can help to determine the appropriate treatment plan and manpower needed in orthodontics. The aim of the study was to analyze the malocclusion pattern and to provide quantitative information on the pattern of dentofacial characteristics among orthodontic population. METHODS Varying dentofacial characteristics of 156 patients from June 2002 to April 2004, at the orthodontic unit of the Aga Khan University Hospital were analyzed. Cross tabulations of dentofacial characteristics with Angle's classes were evaluated using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Chi-square test was used to find the association and Cramer's V for correlation between the skeletal and Angle's classes. RESULTS Mean age of the sample was 14 years & two months (SD +/- 4.59) with majority 98 (62.8%) were females. The chief complaints in majority of the patients were 'upper front teeth forward' and 'malaligned teeth'. Angle's Class II (70.5%) and incisor Class II Division 1 (64.7%) were the typical features of the sample. There was an increased overjet in 75% of subjects as a major occlusal finding. No statistically significant differences were found in distribution of Angle's classes and dentofacial characteristics between males and females. Statistically significant association between skeletal and Angle's classes (p < 0.01) was found. CONCLUSION The results give a detailed pattern of malocclusion in orthodontic patients and may provide a base line data for planning orthodontic services. There is a strong need of epidemiological survey to find out the prevalence of malocclusion in Pakistani population.