PATTERNS AND DISTRIBUTION OF MALOCCLUSION AMONG GHANAIAN ORTHODONTIC POPULATION.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the distribution patterns of the malocclusions in a population helps orthodontic practitioners plan
orthodontic services and preventive programs.
AIM: To determine the distribution patterns of malocclusions in the Ghanaian orthodontic population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Across-sectional study involving 70 orthodontic patients aged between 9 and 18 years was conducted at
the University of Ghana Dental School. The participants were selected using consecutive sampling and recruited after they had signed a written consent or assent. The participants’ facial profiles and lower anterior facial heights (LAFH) were determined. The incisor, canine, and molar relationships and open bite were assessed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings and finally presented in tables. The significance level was p<0.05.
RESULTS: 51% of the participants had orthognathic profiles. The incisor, canine, and molar relation more frequent were Class II div 1 for the incisors (40%) and Class I for canines and molars (47% and 88%, respectively). Only 11.4% of participants had an open bite.
CONCLUSIONS: Among the participants with orthognathic profiles, Angle’s class I molar and canine relationship were most frequent, and class II division 1 for the incisal relationship was more prevalent. Open bites were not frequent among these patients.