exudates and Malocclusion

The Bolton analysis is one of the commonly used tooth size analysis or diagnostic tools in deriving a treatment plan for orthodontic patients. Many studies have indicated and concluded that normal measurements for one group should not be considered normal for other ethnic groups. The aims and objectives of this study were to investigate the applicability of Bolton's ratios in the orthodontic population of Malaysian main ethnics, Malay, Chinese, and Indians. Comparisons were made in terms of size and distribution of tooth size discrepancy in the Malaysian orthodontic population and the findings were converted in terms of millimeters.. Hundred fifty pre-orthodontic study casts comprised of 52 Malay, 54 Chinese, and 44 Indian patients were selected. Digital calipers (Fowler Pro-Max) linked to Hamilton Tooth Arch Software were used to measure the tooth width and ratios. Statistical analysis was carried out to test for gender differences (independent t-test), to identify the effects of malocclusion and ethnic groups (Two-way ANOVA), and to compare the means of the current study with Bolton's standards (one sample t-test).. This study showed that there was no significant difference between the genders of the sample of each ethnicity. There was no correlation found between ethnic groups and malocclusion classes. There was a significant difference when comparing Bolton values with the Malay sample for both ratios. It was found that more Malay subjects presented with maxillary excess contrary to Chinese and Indians who presented more maxillary deficiency for the anterior and overall ratio.. There was a significant difference found between the TSD of the three major ethnicities in Malaysia. The Bolton standards can be applied to Malaysian Chinese and Indians but not to Malays orthodontic populations for both anterior and overall ratios. Subsequently, a specific standard should be used for the Malays orthodontic population. It was found that more Malay subjects presented with maxillary excess contrary to Chinese and Indians who presented more maxillary deficiency for the anterior and overall ratio.

Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Odontometry; Tooth

The present study aims to determine the impact of malocclusion on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 13-16 years old Malay school children.. School children aged between 13 and 16 years old were randomly selected from a secondary school in Penang. Malay version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaires were given to the subjects. This questionnaire has 14 questions with seven domains which are functional limitation, psychological discomfort, physical pain, physical disability, psychological and social disability, and handicap. Index of orthodontic treatment need dental health component was used to assess the orthodontic treatment need. Overjet (reversed overjet), open bite, overbite, cross bite, impeded eruption, crowding, defects of cleft lip and palate, Class II and Class III buccal occlusion, present of supernumerary and hypodontia were assessed.. 255 students participated in this study. Mean score and standard deviation for OHIP-14 were 8.64 (± 7.32) for males and 11.05 (± 9.41) for females respectively. There was statistically significant difference in mean score of OHIP-14 between male and female (p = 0.023). A weak positive correlation was found between malocclusion severity and OHRQoL (r = 0.186; p < 0.01). Malocclusion had a negative impact on OHRQoL of the students in the present study. This impact was prominent in psychological discomfort and psychological disability domains of OHIP-14 (p < 0.05).. Increase in severity of malocclusion was associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL. Females exhibited more negative impact of malocclusion on their OHRQoL. Psychological domain was the most affected one.

Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Oral Health; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires

The Malay version of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire has been validated for use by Malaysian adolescents. Although Malay is their national language, English is widely used as the lingua franca among Malaysians of different ethnicities. This study aimed to validate an English version of the PIDAQ adapted for use by Malaysian adolescents to optimize data capture from adolescents who prefer English as the medium for communication.. The published English version of PIDAQ was pilot tested on 12- to 17-year-old adolescents, resulting in a few modifications to suit the Malaysian variety of English. Psychometric properties were tested on 393 adolescents who attended orthodontic practices and selected schools. Malocclusion was assessed using the Malocclusion Index, an aggregation of Perception of Occlusion Scale and the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, by the subjects (MI-S) and investigators (MI-D). Data were analysed for internal consistency and age-associated invariance, discriminant, construct and criterion validities, reproducibility and floor and ceiling effects using AMOS v.20 and SPSS v.20.. The item Don't like own teeth on video of the Aesthetic Concern (AC) subscale was not relevant to a large proportion of participants (11.7%). Therefore, it was removed and the Malaysian English PIDAQ was analysed based on 22 items instead of 23 items. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit statistics (comparative fit index: 0.902, root-mean-square error of approximation: 0.066). Internal consistency was good for the Dental Self-Confidence, Social Impact and Psychological Impact subscales (Cronbach's alpha: 0.70-0.95) but lower (0.52-0.62) though acceptable for the AC subscale as it consisted of only 2 items. The reproducibility test was acceptable (intra-class correlations: 0.53-0.78). For all PIDAQ subscales, the MI-S and MI-D scores of those with severe malocclusion differed significantly from those with no or slight malocclusion. There were significant associations between the PIDAQ subscales with ranking of perceived dental appearance, need for braces and impact of malocclusion on daily activities. There were no floor or ceiling effects.. The adapted Malaysian English PIDAQ demonstrated adequate psychometric properties that are valid and reliable for assessment of psychological impacts of dental aesthetics among Malaysian adolescents.

Topics: Adolescent; Esthetics, Dental; Female; Humans; Language; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Self Concept; Self-Assessment; Surveys and Questionnaires

Topics: Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Orthodontics, Corrective; Young Adult

To determine the prevalence of malocclusion and need for orthodontic treatment among persons with Down Syndrome (DS).. Study participants were 113 persons with DS from the selected community-based rehabilitation center who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten occlusal characteristics of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) were measured on study models to determine the degree of malocclusion. A single score represented the dentofacial anomalies, determined the level of severity, and determined the need for orthodontic treatment.. Crowding in the anterior maxillary and mandibular arch was the main malocclusion problems among the subjects with DS. Comparison between age group and genders revealed no significant differences in four categories of orthodontic treatment need (P > .05).. Most of the subjects with DS (94; 83.2%) had severe and very severe malocclusion, which indicated a desirable and mandatory need for orthodontic treatment.

Topics: Dental Arch; Diastema; Down Syndrome; Esthetics, Dental; Female; Humans; Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Malocclusion, Angle Class I; Mandible; Maxilla; Needs Assessment; Open Bite; Overbite; Prevalence; Young Adult

To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in facial profile shape, malocclusion class, or palatal morphology in Malay adults with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).. Subjects were 120 adult Malays aged 18 to 65 years (mean +/- standard deviation [SD], 33.2 +/- 13.31) divided into two groups of 60. Both groups underwent clinical examination and limited channel polysomnography (PSG). The mean OSA and control values were subjected to t-test and the chi square test.. Physical examination showed that 61.7% of the OSA patients were obese, and 41.7% of those obese patients had severe OSA. The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly greater for the OSA group (33.2 kg/m2 +/- 6.5) than for the control group (22.7 kg/m2 +/- 3.5; P < .001). The mean neck size and systolic blood pressure were greater for the OSA group (43.6 cm +/- 6.02; 129.1 mm Hg +/- 17.55) than for the control group (35.6 cm +/- 3.52; 114.1 mm Hg +/- 13.67; P < .001). Clinical examination showed that the most frequent findings among OSA groups when compared with the control group were convex profiles (71.7%), Class II malocclusion (51.7%), and V palatal shape (53.3%), respectively; the chi square test revealed a significant difference in terms of facial profile and malocclusion class (P < .05), but no significant difference in palatal shape was found.. The null hypothesis is rejected. A convex facial profile and Class II malocclusion were significantly more common in the OSA group. The V palatal shape was a frequent finding in the OSA group.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Blood Pressure; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cephalometry; Face; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Malocclusion, Angle Class II; Middle Aged; Neck; Obesity; Overweight; Oxygen; Palate; Polysomnography; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Young Adult

To determine the treatment outcome based on dentoalveolar relationships among Malay children born with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).. Retrospective cohort study.. The Department of Orthodontics at the School of Dental Science and the Reconstructive Sciences Unit, School of Medical Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Dental study models of 82 UCLP Malay children aged 8 to 10 years were evaluated. All subjects had their cleft lip and palate repaired, but no alveolar bone graft or any orthodontic treatment was performed.. The outcome of dental arch relationships was assessed using the Goslon Yardstick Index: a dental measure with outcomes ranked on a scale ranging from 1 to 5. Agreement of rating was assessed with weighted kappa statistics; both intraexaminer and interexaminer agreements were high, indicating good reproducibility.. A total of 2.4% of the sample was in grade 1, 24.4% in grade 2, 35.4% in grade 3, 31.7% in grade 4, and 6.1% in grade 5. The mean Goslon index score was 3.15.. Dentoalveolar relationship outcomes of UCLP Malay children are intermediate according to the Goslon Yardstick. Interpretation of results should consider the ethnic differences in the craniofacial complex.

Topics: Child; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Cohort Studies; Dental Arch; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Models, Dental; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

To compare the mesio-distal tooth sizes and dental arch dimensions in Malay boys and girls with Class I, Class II and Class III malocclusions.. The dental casts of 150 subjects (78 boys, 72 girls), between 12 and 16 years of age, with Class I, Class II and Class III malocclusions were used. Each group consisted of 50 subjects. An electronic digital caliper was used to measure the mesio-distal tooth sizes of the upper and lower permanent teeth (first molar to first molar), the intercanine and intermolar widths. The arch lengths and arch perimeters were measured with AutoCAD software (Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, CA, U.S.A.).. The mesio-distal dimensions of the upper lateral incisors and canines in the Class I malocclusion group were significantly smaller than the corresponding teeth in the Class III and Class II groups, respectively. The lower canines and first molars were significantly smaller in the Class I group than the corresponding teeth in the Class II group. The lower intercanine width was significantly smaller in the Class II group as compared with the Class I group, and the upper intermolar width was significantly larger in Class III group as compared with the Class II group. There were no significant differences in the arch perimeters or arch lengths. The boys had significantly wider teeth than the girls, except for the left lower second premolar. The boys also had larger upper and lower intermolar widths and lower intercanine width than the girls.. Small, but statistically significant, differences in tooth sizes are not necessarily accompanied by significant arch width, arch length or arch perimeter differences. Generally, boys have wider teeth, larger lower intercanine width and upper and lower intermolar widths than girls.

Topics: Adolescent; Asian People; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Arch; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Reference Values; Sex Characteristics; Tooth; Tooth Crown

This study reports on the predisposing factors and prevalence of fractured anterior teeth among 12 and 16 years-old school children in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, West Malaysia.. A cross-sectional study was performed, involving 488 school children aged 12 and 16 years old and two calibrated dentists on the use of the World Health Organization (WHO) modification of Andreasen's 1999 classification. An oral examination was performed and all the necessary information was collected using a specified data collection sheet. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 12.. The response rate was 98.8%. The prevalence of fractured anterior teeth was 11.2% at the age of 12 and 13.4% at the age of 16. Boys experienced more fractures than girls (p < 0.05) among 12 year-olds but there was no gender predilection among 16 year olds. Most children could not remember the cause of fracture (> 53.6%). Over 80% of dental injuries were of minor type (enamel fracture not involving the dentin). The maxillary central incisor was the most affected (> 60%) tooth. Children at the age of 12 years with over jet greater than 3 mm, incompetent and short lip were predisposed to dental injuries (p < 0.05). There was no association between molar relationship and fractures (p > 0.05) in both age groups.. The present study assessed the prevalence of dental injuries in 12 and 16 year old children and determined the risk factors that predispose to dental injuries. The possible causes and consequences of such tooth fractures must be highlighted to ensure esthetics and tooth longevity.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Distribution; Child; Cohort Studies; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dentition, Permanent; Female; Humans; Incisor; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sentinel Surveillance; Sex Distribution; Tooth Fractures

To assess the facial profile preferences of laypersons in an Asian community and the influence of age, ethnic and gender on profile selection.. A sample of 149 laypersons (65.1% Chinese, 21.5% Malays and 13.4% Indians), comprising of 112 females (75.2%) participated in the study. The mean age was 24.6 years (SD 4.4). A facial profile photograph and a lateral cephalometric radiograph of a Chinese male and female adult with a normal profile and a class I incisor and skeletal relationship were digitized to create a baseline template. Computerized digital photographic image modification was carried out on the template to obtain seven facial profiles [bimaxillary protrusion, protrusive mandible, retrusive mandible, normal profile (incisor and skeletal class I pattern), retrusive maxilla, protrusive maxilla and bimaxillary retrusion] for each gender. The laypersons were asked to rank the profiles of each gender on a scale of 1 (very attractive) to 7 (least attractive).. Orthognathic Chinese male and female profiles were perceived to be the most attractive. A male orthognathic profile with normative Chinese cephalometric values was perceived to be more attractive than a 'flatter' bimaxillary retrusive profile. Bimaxillary retrusion and normal Chinese female profiles were perceived to be the most attractive. A male or female profile with a protrusive mandible was judged to be the least attractive. Age, gender and ethnicity were nonsignificant predictors for the most attractive female profile.. Orthognathic Chinese male and female profiles were judged to be the most attractive by Asian adult laypersons. Male and female profiles with mandibular protrusion were judged to be the least attractive.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Attitude; Cephalometry; China; Esthetics; Ethnicity; Face; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; India; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Maxilla; Photography; Prognathism; Retrognathia; Sex Factors; Singapore

The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the spectrum and management of dentofacial deformities in a multiethnic Asian community.. Over a period of 3 years (2001 to 2003), 212 patients with dentofacial deformities who had undergone orthognathic surgery in a national tertiary specialist center in Singapore were reviewed. Patients with cleft lip and palate or syndromes were excluded.. The mean age (range: 16 to 58 years) of the patients was 24.0 years (SD 6.4) and the ratio of female to male was 1.3:1. The predominant ethnic group was Chinese (91.5%). The majority of the patients had skeletal Class III pattern (68%). Asymmetry was diagnosed in 36% of all cases and in 48% of skeletal Class III cases. Vertical maxillary excess was diagnosed in 21% of all cases and in 47% of skeletal Class II cases. Bimaxillary surgery involving LeFort and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies was performed in 84% of skeletal Class III cases and in 73% of all cases. Segmental osteotomy and genioplasty were performed in 41% of the cases.. The findings suggest that the majority of the patients were young Chinese adults with two-jaw deformities requiring bimaxillary surgeries with genioplasty or segmental osteotomy. This finding may reflect the greater severity of dentofacial deformities in patients in the Asian community.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chin; China; Craniofacial Abnormalities; Ethnicity; Facial Asymmetry; Female; Humans; India; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Malocclusion, Angle Class II; Malocclusion, Angle Class III; Maxilla; Middle Aged; Osteotomy; Osteotomy, Le Fort; Retrospective Studies; Singapore

The purpose of this study was to determine the occlusal status in young Asian male adults of three ethnic groups. Study models of a sample of male army recruits (N = 339, age 17-22 years) with no history of orthodontic treatment were assessed. The ethnic proportions of the sample were Chinese 76.1% (n = 258), Malay 17.7% (n = 60), and Indian 6.2% (n = 21). British Standard Institute (BSI) and Angle's classification were used to determine incisor and molar relationships, respectively. Chi-square test or Fisher's Exact test was performed to compare the occlusal traits between ethnic groups. The distribution of incisor relationships of the total sample consisted of Class I = 48.1%, Class II/1 = 26.3%, Class II/2 = 3.2%, and Class III = 22.4%. Right Angle's molar relationships were 49.9%, 24.5%, and 24.2% whereas left Angle's molar relationships were 53.1%, 25.1%, and 21.2% for Class I, II, and III, respectively. Comparison between ethnic groups found that Indian subjects were more likely to have Class II/1 malocclusions and clinically missing permanent teeth (P < .05). The study found that the overall prevalence of malocclusion (BSI) was Class I, Class II/1, Class III, and Class II/2 in descending order of proportions. Angle's Class I molar was most prevalent followed by Class II and Class III relations. A significant difference in occlusal status between the ethnic groups was found regarding incisor relationship and missing permanent teeth (P < .05).

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chi-Square Distribution; China; Humans; India; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Prevalence; Singapore; Statistics, Nonparametric

Orthodontic treatment in adults has gained social and professional acceptance in recent years. An assessment of orthodontic treatment need helps to identify individuals who will benefit from treatment and safeguard their interest. The purpose of this study was to assess the objective and subjective levels of orthodontic treatment need in a sample of orthodontically untreated adult Asian males. A sample of male army recruits (n = 339, age 17-22 years, Chinese = 258, Malay = 60, Indian = 21) with no history of orthodontic treatment or craniofacial anomalies participated in the study on a voluntary basis with informed consent. Impressions for study models were taken. Objective treatment need was assessed based on study model analysis using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Questionnaires were used to assess subjective treatment need based on subjective esthetic component (EC) ratings. Fifty percentage of the sample had a definite need for orthodontic treatment (dental health component [DHC] grades 4 and 5), whereas 29.2% had a moderate need for treatment (DHC grades 3). The occlusal trait most commonly identified was dental crossbite. Malay males had the highest percentage with a definite need for treatment for both dental health and esthetic reasons in comparison with Chinese and Indian males. However, there was no difference in the level of treatment need among the ethnic groups (P > .05). No correlation between objective and subjective EC scores was found (P > .05). A high level of investigator-identified treatment need was not supported by a similar level of subject awareness among the adult sample.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; China; Esthetics, Dental; Ethnicity; Humans; India; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Military Personnel; Models, Dental; Needs Assessment; Orthodontics, Corrective; Self Concept; Singapore

To compare assessments of malocclusion made by an orthodontist with the perceptions of children and their parents.. A sample of 5,112 Malaysian schoolchildren was selected by a system of stratified random sampling based on state, ethnicity and gender. Each child was first allocated an IOTN (AC) grade by an orthodontist, after which the child and then the parents also recorded a grade. A smaller sub-sample of 720 children was also asked to identify the three worst AC pictures and to give reasons for their choice.. The orthodontist scored 22.8% of the subjects in AC grades 8-10, 'Definite Need for Treatment' whilst only 5.8% of children and 4.8% of parents recorded these grades. If AC grade 6 is taken as the cut off point the proportions needing treatment would be 41.8%, 9.7% and 9.9% respectively. Similar proportions of boys and girls scored their own teeth in the 8-10 range but more girls than boys scored themselves in grades 1-3, 'No Need for Treatment'. Ethnic origin had no effect upon the perception of malocclusion by the children. Crowding, deep bite and tooth size were the three occlusal features that children liked least.. The IOTN (AC) index appears robust in its reflection of the perception of malocclusion by children and parents respectively. Assessments were little affected by gender or ethnicity. However the scores of children and parents were much lower than those of an orthodontist trained in the use of IOTN.

Topics: Child; Dental Health Surveys; Dentists; Esthetics, Dental; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Needs Assessment; Orthodontics, Corrective; Parents; Self Concept; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors

Thirty-one patients treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, were assessed for their satisfaction following orthognathic surgery. The female to male ratio was 22:9 with an age range of 17 to 36. Almost all patients (97%) listed appearance as one of their rationales for surgery. More males (78%) than females (59%) wanted functional improvement, while more females (91%) than males (33%) hoped for improvement in self-confidence. All patients reported esthetic improvement while 68% each reported improvement in mastication and self-confidence. Slightly more than half (52%) chose esthetic improvement as the single most important factor resulting in satisfaction. Almost ninety percent of male patients claimed satisfaction with functional improvement, while 68% of those who found satisfaction in improved self-confidence were females. Eighty-seven percent rated their post-surgical changes as being well accepted by their family. The impact of these findings on the success of the surgery and the need to reinforce verbal communication with printed pamphlets are emphasized.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Esthetics, Dental; Female; Humans; Hypesthesia; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Malocclusion, Angle Class II; Malocclusion, Angle Class III; Mastication; Maxilla; Motivation; Patient Education as Topic; Patient Satisfaction; Postoperative Complications; Prognathism; Self Concept; Sex Factors; Statistics as Topic; Treatment Outcome

Data on malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in Malaysia are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in a sample of 12-13-year-old schoolchildren using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and to assess the relationship between malocclusion and socio-demographic variables, perceptions of need for orthodontic treatment, aesthetic perception and social functioning.. The sampling procedure involved a multistage, clustered and stratified random sampling. The sample comprised of 1,519 schoolchildren attending 20 secondary government and government-aided schools in urban and rural areas of Klang District in Peninsular Malaysia. There were 772 males and 747 females. Each subject was administered a questionnaire eliciting standard demographic information such as gender, parents' income and ethnic origin and questions on perception of need for orthodontic treatment and satisfaction with dental appearance and function. Intra-oral examination for occlusal status using the DAI was performed for each subject.. Most subjects (62.6%) require no orthodontic treatment. Only about 7% had handicapping malocclusion that needed mandatory treatment. Malocclusion, as defined in this study, was found to be significantly associated with gender and subjects' area of residence. There were no significant differences in mean DAI scores for Malays, Chinese and Indian children. Significant associations were found between DAI scores and perception of need for orthodontic treatment, satisfaction with dental appearance and social functioning (P<0.01).. The findings will be useful for the public dental service to determine priority for orthodontic treatment as part of the comprehensive care provided by the School Dental Service (SDS).

Topics: Adolescent; Analysis of Variance; Attitude to Health; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; China; Demography; Esthetics, Dental; Ethnicity; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Income; India; Linear Models; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion; Observer Variation; Orthodontics, Corrective; Personal Satisfaction; Reproducibility of Results; Residence Characteristics; Rural Health; Self Concept; Sex Factors; Social Adjustment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urban Health

To assess the prevalence and severity of malocclusion in a large sample of 12-13-year-old children and to compare assessments of treatment need according to three methods.. A random sample of 5,112 Malaysian children was drawn according to a multi-stage technique which accounted for the ethnic composition of the population. Subjects were examined using both components of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).. The proportion of children in need of orthodontic treatment was 47.9% according to grades 4 and 5 of the dental health component (DHC) of IOTN and 22.8% according to grades 8-10 of the aesthetic component (AC). Using 32 points as the cut-off point for treatment acceptance, the DAI index indicated that 24.1% needed treatment.. The IOTN index was found to be efficient and fair in identifying children who required orthodontic treatment. The best results appeared to be produced by using DHC grades 4 and 5 in association with AC photographs 6-10. This combination indicated 30% of children as being in need of treatment.

Topics: Adolescent; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Dental Health Surveys; Esthetics, Dental; Ethnicity; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Malaysia; Malocclusion; Observer Variation; Reproducibility of Results

This survey outlines the proportion of the various features of occlusion in the permanent dentition of the three ethnic races, Chinese, Malay and Indian in Malaysia. The mean age of the high school children surveyed was 16.4 years. The Chinese and Malays had almost similar distribution of the different types of occlusion. There was a significantly higher prevalence of Class III occlusion among the Chinese and Malays as compared to the Indians. In addition, an edge to edge incisor relationship seemed to be a norm in the Chinese (54%) and Malays (50%) whilst the overjet of between 2-4 mm and the overbite of between 1/3 to 2/3 was more normal to Indians (50%). A crowded dentition was also a norm for the three races.

Topics: Adolescent; China; Dental Occlusion; Female; Humans; India; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion