Pattern of Dental Malocclusion in Orthodontic Patients in Rwanda: a Retrospective Hospital Based Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Dental malocclusion is present in all societies but its prevalence varies. Identifying occlusal problems; their incidence and the need for treatment can help to determine the appropriate awareness plans; preventive and interceptive treatment and manpower needed in orthodontics. There is no study of such kind to evaluate the pattern of malocclusion in Rwandese population. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze and to provide quantitative information on the pattern of dental malocclusion among orthodontic population in Rwanda. Methods: Various parameters retrieved from patients' records of 243 selected patients with dental malocclusion who visited Dental Department of King Faisal Hospital; Rwanda; during the period of January 2009 to July 2012 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Chi-square test was used to find the gender difference at p 0.05. Results: Angle's Class I malocclusion was found to be the most common malocclusion with 60.9 followed by 28.8 Angle's class II and 10.3 Angle's class III. Increased crowding (71.2 ) was the most common problem; followed by increased overjet; deep bite and anterior open bite in that order. No significant gender differences were found except in deep bite. Conclusion: The results give a pattern of malocclusion in orthodontic patients and may provide a base line data for planning awareness programs; preventive and interceptive orthodontic services et the future studies. There is a strong need of multicentric; epidemiological survey to find out the prevalence et causes of malocclusion in Rwandese population