Malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment in 9-year-old children. Survey based on the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare Scale.

In this study the prevalence of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment was studied in 1,020 children (541 boys and 479 girls). At the time of examination they were between the ages of 8 years 5 months and 9 years 5 months. The frequency of dental, space and occlusion anomalies was recorded and compared with those in other studies. The need for orthodontic treatment was judged according to the 5-point scale of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (1996). In 32% of the children there was an urgent need for treatment (Grade 3 and 4) in a further 32% treatment would be desirable (Grade 2). There was a little need for treatment (Grade 1) in 24% and no need (Grade 0) in 12%.