Relationship between occlusal findings and orofacial myofunctional status in primary and mixed dentition. Part I: Prevalence of malocclusions

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to provide basic data on the prevalence of malocclusions and orofacial dysfunctions in the primary and early mixed dentition, to examine occlusal relationships in their functional context, and to analyze the need for and potential of orthodontic prevention.

Subjects and methods: Occlusal relationships and myofunctional status were evaluated in 766 children in the primary dentition and in 2,275 children in the early mixed dentition. Orthodontic findings in single jaws and intermaxillary occlusal relationships were clinically analyzed in all three dimensions.

Results: Normal occlusal relationships were found in 25.3% of children in the primary dentition. Frequency of children with normal dentitions fell significantly in the mixed dentition (7.3%). Prevalence of bilateral distoclusion increased significantly from the primary to the mixed dentition. Increased maxillary overjet was diagnosed in 49.3% and 59.0% of the children in the primary and mixed dentition, respectively. Prevalence of lateral crossbites increased significantly from primary to mixed dentition (7.2% vs. 12.0%). Deep bites and edge-to-edge bites were found significantly more often in the early mixed dentition.

Conclusions: The significant increase in the prevalence of malocclusions between the primary and mixed dentition--distoclusion and lateral crossbite, and the impairment of vertical occlusal relationships in the mixed dentition in particular--reveal the need for orthodontic prevention. They highlight the absence of applied interceptive and early treatment measures in orthodontics. The indication system in current use for early orthodontic treatment here in Germany fails to fulfill the requirements for prevention-oriented dental care.