An Assessment of Malocclusion in Caucasian Eighth Graders in the Indianapolis Public School System

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to determine the quantitative incidence and severity of malocclusion in a sample of 455 Caucasian eighth grade students in Indianapolis. The following data were collected on each student: race, sex, age, dental I.Q., zip code, right and left molar relationship, crossbite, slides, dental age, overbite, overjet, missing permanent teeth and caries. Statistically, the data were compiled and compared using percentage, mean, range and chi square, yielding the following results. Approximately 85% of the children had some form of malocclusion: 39.3% Class I, 36.5% Class II and 8.7% Class III. Bilateral crossbites occurred in 4.3% of the sample while 17.6% showed unilateral crossbite and 78.0% no crossbite. The mean chronological age was 14 years and 1 month and 88.8% had lost all primary molars. Missing permanent teeth were found in 9.7% of the sample. The mean carious teeth per pupil was .582. The mean overjet was 2.63 mm while the mean overbite was 3.73 mm. No differences related to sex were found in any of the above results.