What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to assess the prevalence of different types of malocclusion and the associated treatment methods in a local population.

March 28, 2026Open Access

Prevalence of malocclusion, gender distribution and choice of treatment in patients of different age group reporting for orthodontic treatment in South India

Key Points

This research aims to assess the prevalence of different types of malocclusion and the associated treatment methods in a local population.
Conducted a cross-sectional study in a dental hospital setting
Reviewed patient data from June 2019 to March 2020
Classified malocclusion into Class I, Class II, and Class III
Recorded demographics, malocclusion type, and treatment methods
Analyzed frequency distribution and treatment modality percentages.
Evaluated 1331 patients for malocclusion prevalence
Class I malocclusion was most common with 867 patients
Class II group had 424 patients with an average age of 19.3 years
Class III group included 40 patients with an average age of 18.1 years
Fixed appliances emerged as the most common treatment option.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Although there are different types of malocclusion, each individual and their malocclusion is unique. There are various methods by which each malocclusion can be corrected depending on the age, gender, type of malocclusion and the severity of the malocclusion. In this study we have attempted to evaluate the various treatment methods employed in patients reporting for orthodontic treatment. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the different treatment modalities in patients reporting for treatment to the orthodontic outpatient department Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: University hospital setting Materials and methods: The sample consisted of subjects belonging to the local Chennai population of South India reporting to the dental hospital for treatment for June 2019 to March 2020. The study design was cross‑sectional. They were screened retrospectively from data stored in the hospital digital archives for the prevalence of malocclusion and the treatment employed. The patients were grouped depending on the type of malocclusion namely class I, class II and class III malocclusion. The patient name, the patient identification number, age, gender, type of malocclusion and the type of treatment were recorded. Frequency distribution and the percentage of different treatment modalities were evaluated. Results: 1331 patients were evaluated. There were 867 patients belonging to Class I malocclusion. In the class II group, there were 424 patients with a mean age of 19.2642±5.69733 years. In the class III group, there were 40 patients with a mean age of 18.05±5.169 years. Fixed appliance had the highest prevalence among all the groups. Functional appliance and orthopedic appliance and orthognathic surgery followed in descending order. Conclusion Thus, class I malocclusion was the most prevalent abnormality followed by class II and class III. Treatment modalities were predominately fixed appliance followed by functional appliances and orthopedic appliance. This was followed by orthognathic surgery. The rest of the treatment options were minimal.

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