Assessment of the incidence of malocclusions among 10-11 year old children in primary schools in Sopot

Apart from dental caries and periodontal diseases malocclusions are a common health problem in the population of children and adolescents. They may be a reason for psychosocial problems (associated with facial and dental aesthetics) and stomatognathic system dysfunctions associated with chewing, speech and swallowing. Some malocclusions may be also a reason for higher susceptibility of teeth to periodontal traumas and diseases. Epidemiological studies are an important tool to determine the incidence of malocclusions and to plan prophylactic and therapeutic activities.

Aim
The aim of the work was to assess the incidence of malocclusions among 10-year-olds and 11-yearolds from Sopot who had an orthodontic examination performed as part of the SOPKARD programme.

Material and methods
The study group included 334 children at the age of 10–11 years, namely 157 girls and 177 boys who were students at primary schools in Sopot. The presence of malocclusions, including type of disorders, age and sex of subjects was studied.

Results
Crowding was the most common disorder. It was observed in 62.3% of subjects. The incidence of Angle’s class I and II malocclusions was similar, namely 38.9% and 41.0%, respectively. Lack of alignment of the midline of the upper and lower dental arch (18.9%) and a deep overbite (18.3%) were also common. A deep overjet and cross bite were observed in 12.3% and 10.2% of children, respectively. The least common were the following: scissor bite (3.9%), class III malocclusion (0.9%), reverse overjet (0.6%) and negative overbite (0.6%).

Conclusions
The incidence of malocclusions among 10-11-year-old children is relatively high. Class I and II malocclusions were the most common in the studied developmental period.