Analysis of the Characteristics of Pediatric Orthodontic Patients at Dankook University Dental Hospital: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the distribution patterns and characteristics of pediatric and adolescent patients who received an initial orthodontic diagnosis at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dankook University Dental Hospital, over a 10-year period.The study also examined recent trends in the use of orthodontic appliances for tooth alignment.Methods: A total of 1,345 patients who visited for their first orthodontic diagnosis from 2015 to 2024 were included.Cephalometric radiographs and clinical records were reviewed to analyze skeletal patterns, patient demographics, and orthodontic appliance usage.Results: Skeletal Class I was most common (48.7%), followed by Class III (32.9%) and Class II (18.4%).Class III was more frequently observed in males and children under age 9, while Class II increased in patients aged 9 and older.Mandibular prognathism was more prevalent in Class III cases.Vertical skeletal types showed distinct associations with horizontal skeletal classifications.Clear aligner use increased steadily from 2022 to 2024, and the proportion of patients receiving orthodontic treatment has increased since 2021. Conclusion:This study provides clinical data on the orthodontic characteristics of pediatric patients in a regional dental hospital.The findings highlight differences in skeletal patterns according to age and sex, as well as interrelationships among skeletal classifications, and demonstrate both a steady annual increase in clear aligner use and a rising proportion of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.These insights may support early diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning for pediatric malocclusion.