Occlusal survey in a group of Tanzanian adults.

The aim of this study was to describe the occlusion pattern among Tanzanian adults. A total of 906 subjects aged 19-84 years from Ilala District, in Dar es Salaam were clinically examined. The variables studied included molar occlusion, overjet, overbite, open bite, crossbite, crowding, spacing and diastema mediale. Most of the subjects, 94%, had Angle's Class I molar occlusion. Transversal occlusal anomalies were rare. Spacing was more prevalent than crowding. Diastema mediale occurred in 32% of the subjects. Anterior open bite and spacing were the most prevalent conditions in the study group. Although crowding was prevalent, the results indicate an optimal sagittal occlusion with spacious maxilla and mandible. The frequencies found in this study were of a different pattern when compared with those reported previously in different populations. This suggests the need for a more comprehensive inter-ethnic groups study to confirm the differences and examine their implications to clinical and anthropological use.