Frequency of malocclusion among 12 -15 years old school children in three sectors of Karachi

This study was done to explore the prevalence of malocclusion among 12-15 year old school children and to determine the differences of malocclusion status in gender. A cross sectional study was conducted in which a total of 1200 school children were examined. Out of these 718 students fulfilled the inclusion criteria using a non-randomized purposive sampling technique. The study was conducted during the period of 2009-2011 in Karachi schools [Bahadurabad, Nazimabad and Gulsahan-e-Iqbal areas]. Each individual was assessed visually with a millimetre ruler for the presence of different occlusal traits [normal occlusion, Class 1, Class 2 division 1, Class 2 division 2 and Class3 maloc-clusion] overjet [OJ], overbite [OB], crowding, midline diastema and cross bite. Gender dimorphism was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test by using computer software [SPSS version 16.0]. Out of all the occlusive traits, Class 1 malocclusion and overbite was dominant feature in females. The baseline data explained in the present study can be utilized for the future planning of orthodontic treatment needed among the population

Prevalence of Angle's malocclusion according to age groups and gender

To assess the prevalence of Angle's Malocclusion in relation to different age groups and gender in general population. A cross sectional study was done at Dow Dental College during period of 2012- 2013. Six hundred participants were selected according to inclusion criteria by using a non-randomized purposive sampling technique. Visual observation was done to find whether the participants had class 1, 2 and 3 in relation to self-designed age groups and gender. Data was collected by questionnaire filled by the researcher and was further analysed by using computer software SPSS 16.0. Pearson chi square was applied to observe whether the prevalence of Angles Malocclusion is dependent on different age groups and gender. Class 1 demonstrated to be the most established malocclusion. Females were observed to have more class 1 than males. Conversely Pearson chi square did not reveal any statistical significant result of Angles Malocclusion in relation to different age groups and gender. In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of malocclusion traits did not change as shown by the p-value being insignificant. Cross-sectional studies of younger population groups are to be used for research into the long-term physiological effects of malocclusion to know if certain and specific malocclusion traits are stable over time