Prevalence of malocclusion in relation to premature loss of primary teeth

The influence of premature extraction of primary teeth on the frequency of malocclusion was analyzed. The patient group comprised 723 children in the 3rd grade school class, 324 of whom had experienced early loss of primary teeth due to caries. The following malocclusion traits were analyzed: cistal occlusion, maxillary overjet, overbite, frontal open bite, midline displacement, and crossbite. The frequency of the single malocclusion traits was compared between groups of children without and with loss of primary teeth. The influence of the site of extraction was analyzed by studying the frequency of malocclusion in the group of children with extraction in the mandible or maxilla only. It was found that early loss of primary teeth would result in an increased frequency of sagittal, vertical as well as transversal malocclusion. As a consequence the need for treatment would increase significantly by early extraction of primary teeth. Whereas extraction in the maxilla would tend to result in need for extraction of permanent teeth; extraction in the mandible would often lead to need for orthodontic treatment of longer duration. On the basis of these findings it could be concluded that maintaining a high standard of dental service for preschool children must be considered good economy, since the need for premature extractions is reduced.