Prevalence of spacing and crowding in permanent dentition among patients visiting a private dental hospital

Abstract

Malocclusion can be defined as an occlusion in which there is a mal relationship between the arches in any of the planes or one in which there are anomalies in tooth position beyond the normal limits. The literal meaning of malocclusion is a bad bite. People equate good dental appearance with success in many aspects. With the increasing demand for orthodontic treatment, the epidemiological data of malocclusion is essential in assessing the resources for orthodontic services. To assess the prevalence of spacing and crowding in the permanent dentition of patients visiting a private dental hospital. This study was based on data of patients who reported to the Department of Orthodontics, in a private teaching hospital in Chennai, India which was collected by reviewing patients records and analysing the data of 86000 patients. The data consisted of treatment done for spacing and crowding of permanent teeth in both arches in patients of age 12 to 25 years. Prevalence of crowding (64%) was more common than spacing (36%) indicating that crowding is the most common anomaly in both maxilla and mandible. Both maxilla and mandible showed statistical significance for age and gender. This study reveals that crowding is the most common anomaly in both arches.