Prevalence of malocclusion in 13-15 year-old North Jordanian school children.

OBJECTIVES

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malocclusion in 13-15-year-old North Jordanian schoolchildren.

METHODS

One thousand and three children aged 13-15 years (619 females, 384 males) were examined using Björk et al. (1964) registration method. A full clinical examination was carried out in the school premises using a mouth mirror under natural lighting. Alginate impressions were then taken for each student together with a wax bite. The impressions were poured the same day by an orthodontic technician. Peri-apical radiographs were taken for the students when hypodontia was suspected.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of malocclusion was 92%. Class II and III molars were found in 18.8% and 1.4% of the sample respectively. The malocclusion traits detected were crowding (50.4%), midline shift (31.7%), spaced dentition (26.7%), increased overjet (24.7%), deepbite (16.9%), crossbite (6.8), abnormal tooth form (7.7%), median diastema (6.9%), missing teeth (6%), ectopic canines (5.9%), inverted incisors (5.2%), high frenal attachment (3.9%), openbite (2.9%), tooth impaction (1.8%), reversed overjet (1.9%), scissorbite 0.3%. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in the overall prevalence of malocclusion and the occlusal traits investigated. However, some dental anomalies showed significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of malocclusion among north Jordanians is comparable with other populations.