Abstract
Irregularity of teeth in children and young adults is associated with low oral health- related quality of life. As shown, orthodontic treatment can have a positive effect on oral health and quality of life. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of occlusal traits, mandibular movement capacity, and orthodontic treatment need in various stages of dental development in Estonian children and young adults.
The material included 1172 Estonians with deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentitions. Clinical registration of the inter- and intra-arch occlusal traits and mandibular movements was based on international standards and recommendations. Orthodontic treatment need and complexity were assessed from plaster casts using the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON). Opinions regarding children’s and young adults’ general dental health, tooth alignment, dental appearance, and orthodontic treatment need were collected with questionnaires.
The prevalences of occlusal traits were in line with those reported in neighbouring countries Finland, Sweden and Latvia with some variation. The most prevalent occlusal trait in the deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition was a canine class I sagittal relationship (70%, 74%, and 76%, respectively). Six percent, 27%, and 28% of individuals had increased (≥ 3.5 mm) overjet and overbite in the deciduous, in mixed, and in permanent dentition, respectively. Posterior crossbite was observed in 18% in the deciduous, in 12% in the mixed, and in 30% in the permanent dentition. There was no crowding in the upper and lower arch in the deciduous dentition, but it occurred in 34% in the mixed dentition and in 51% in the permanent dentition. Midline diastema was observed in 68% in the deciduous, in 60% in the mixed, and in 11% in the permanent dentition. Between age groups, statistically significant differences were found in sagittal relationship, posterior and anterior crossbite, crowding, and midline diastema. Although asymmetrical canine and molar relationships were the most common findings in all dental stages, symmetry
increased when age advanced.
Only a few (7 %) children with deciduous dentition had occlusal traits, indicating a favourable occlusal transition. According to ICON, 64 % of children with mixed dentition and 36 % of young adults with permanent dentition were in need of orthodontic treatment. Caregivers and young adults seemed to perceive occlusal traits and functions deviating from “normal”. These highlighted traits were in line with those assessed by professionals.
Mandibular movement capacities were age and gender dependent. Maximum mouth opening, laterotrusion, and protrusion were related, and some occlusal traits, like crossbite, were associated with mandibular movements.
The data retrieved in this study provide the basis for the further planning and development of oral health care in Estonia.
The material included 1172 Estonians with deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentitions. Clinical registration of the inter- and intra-arch occlusal traits and mandibular movements was based on international standards and recommendations. Orthodontic treatment need and complexity were assessed from plaster casts using the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON). Opinions regarding children’s and young adults’ general dental health, tooth alignment, dental appearance, and orthodontic treatment need were collected with questionnaires.
The prevalences of occlusal traits were in line with those reported in neighbouring countries Finland, Sweden and Latvia with some variation. The most prevalent occlusal trait in the deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition was a canine class I sagittal relationship (70%, 74%, and 76%, respectively). Six percent, 27%, and 28% of individuals had increased (≥ 3.5 mm) overjet and overbite in the deciduous, in mixed, and in permanent dentition, respectively. Posterior crossbite was observed in 18% in the deciduous, in 12% in the mixed, and in 30% in the permanent dentition. There was no crowding in the upper and lower arch in the deciduous dentition, but it occurred in 34% in the mixed dentition and in 51% in the permanent dentition. Midline diastema was observed in 68% in the deciduous, in 60% in the mixed, and in 11% in the permanent dentition. Between age groups, statistically significant differences were found in sagittal relationship, posterior and anterior crossbite, crowding, and midline diastema. Although asymmetrical canine and molar relationships were the most common findings in all dental stages, symmetry
increased when age advanced.
Only a few (7 %) children with deciduous dentition had occlusal traits, indicating a favourable occlusal transition. According to ICON, 64 % of children with mixed dentition and 36 % of young adults with permanent dentition were in need of orthodontic treatment. Caregivers and young adults seemed to perceive occlusal traits and functions deviating from “normal”. These highlighted traits were in line with those assessed by professionals.
Mandibular movement capacities were age and gender dependent. Maximum mouth opening, laterotrusion, and protrusion were related, and some occlusal traits, like crossbite, were associated with mandibular movements.
The data retrieved in this study provide the basis for the further planning and development of oral health care in Estonia.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Tampere |
| Publisher | Tampere University |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-952-03-3428-4 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-952-03-3427-7 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Publication type | G5 Doctoral dissertation (articles) |
Publication series
| Name | Tampere University Dissertations - Tampereen yliopiston väitöskirjat |
|---|---|
| Volume | 1016 |
| ISSN (Print) | 2489-9860 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 2490-0028 |