Orthodontic findings in 4- to 6-year-old kindergarten children from southwest Germany.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this epidemiologic study was to make basic data available on the age dependence of malocclusions and their developmental tendency in 4- to 6-year-old kindergarten children so as to define the optimum time to start early treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study 2015 kindergarten children (1048 male, 967 female) aged between 4 and 6 years were examined and divided into three age groups. The anteroposterior, transverse and vertical occlusion of the anterior and posterior teeth was assessed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Increased overjets and open bites showed significant self-regulation with increasing age. There were no significant differences among the age groups with regard to anteroposterior and transverse occlusion of the posterior teeth. Only mesioclusion deteriorated with increasing age. According to statistical analysis of the findings, 61.6% of the 4-year-olds, 58.4% of the 5-year-olds and 50.9% of the 6-year-old children had one or two malocclusions.

CONCLUSION

As increased overjets and open bites often diminish spontaneously with increasing age, it is sufficient to start treating these malocclusions at the end of 5 years of age once dysfunctions have been eliminated. This in turn enhances children's ability to cooperate and reduces the duration of their early treatment.