ASSESSMENT OF PREVALENCE OF MALOCCLUSION USING ANGLE'S CLASSIFICATION OF MALOCCLUSION (1899) AMONG 8 TO 14 YEAR OLD SCHOOL CHILDREN IN CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR - A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Background:Malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth and dental arches, is a common issue that can impact both function and aesthetics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malocclusion among 8 to 14-year-old schoolchildren in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 480 students who met the inclusion criteria. Various occlusal characteristics, including Angle's classes of malocclusion (class I, II, and III), overjet, overbite, midline diastema, and tooth rotation, were recorded. The study found that 58.75% of participants were male and 41.25% were female. Class I malocclusion was the most common, observed in 81.46% of children, while class II and class III malocclusions were seen in 16.67% and 1.67%, respectively. Among class II cases, 12.92% were division 1 and 3.75% division 2. A normal overjet (<3 mm) was found in 87.1% of children, while 12.9% had an increased overjet (>3 mm). A normal overbite was present in 47.9%, with 52.1% having an increased overbite. Midline diastema, occurring only in the upper arch, was found in 2.7% of children, and 12.7% had tooth rotation, with the maxillary right lateral incisors being the most affected. The study highlights the high prevalence of malocclusion in this age group, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent future dental and facial irregularities.