Frequency of class-III malocclusion reported in dental OPD, Karachi medical dental college

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of Class-III malocclusion reported Orthodontic department in Karachi Medical Dental College, Pakistan. It was a cross sectional study of orthodontic patients. With convenience sampling a total of 384 patients [267 girls, 117 boys] referred to the Department of Orthodontics, Karachi Medical Dental College, were evaluated in this study. The mean age of the patients was 11.86 +/- 3.16 years. There malocclusion were classified from I, II [Div-1 and Div-2 with sub division right and left], and III, and recorded according to angle classifications. Class-III malocclusion was the least common malocclusion present in the major category of malocclusion and found 8.1% of the samples. Class-III malocclusion requires very early treatment then class-II and Class I malocclusion and has totally reverse treatment philosophy. Having the lower frequency of Class-III malocclusion in the population makes doctor to focus more in later age group and puts less burden on health resources as more patients of Class-II and I can be treated using the same resources. The type of malocclusion, also an important factor that affects a patient's motivation to seek treatment