Prevalence of Malocclusion Among Children and Adolescents Residing in Orphanages of Bilaspur, Chattishgarh, India

Abstract

Objectives:To assess the prevalence of malocclusion among children and adolescents in orphanages of Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India Material and methods: The total sample comprised of 883 subjects (67.7% males and 32.3% females), aged from 7-18 years. Clinical examination was made according to the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Chi-square test was carried out to find the relationship between malocclusion with different independent variables. Results: 33.2% of participants had no abnormality or minor malocclusion, who need no or slight treatment whereas, only 2.9%, 2.5% and 1.4% of subjects had definite, severe and very severe or handicapping malocclusion respectively to whom treatment desirable was elective, highly desirable and mandatory respectively. Percentage of orphanages inmates with missing incisors, canine, and premolar teeth was found to be 1.1%. Conclusion: The findings confirmed that orphans had increased prevalence of malocclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]