Pattern of Malocclusion and Treatment Need in Orthodontic Patients: An Institution-based Study

The aim of this study was to analyze the malocclusion pattern among patients who visited Department of Orthodontics of BVU Dental College and Hospital, Sangli (Maharashtra) as a baseline data for proper treatment planning, teaching and further research. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 125 patients who attended the orthodontic department from December 2008 to June 2010. Information regarding age, sex, type of malocclusion, dentofacial patterns and dentofacial characteristics was obtained from patients records. Orthodontic treatment need was assessed using DHC component of IOTN. Results: The results of the study showed that the patients age ranged from 10 to 33 years with mean age of 16 years 9 months (+ 3.92). There were 91 (72.8%) females and 34 (28.2%) males. Chief complaints of majority of patients were ‘upper front teeth forward’ and ‘irregular teeth’. The commonest type of malocclusion was Angle’s class II which was seen in 60 (48%) of patients. There was an increased overjet in 81% of subjects. Statistically significant association was found between skeletal and Angle’s classes (p < 0.01). Assessment of need for orthodontic treatment using the DHC component of IOTN showed that 59 (47.2%) were in great need of orthodontic treatment and 53 (42.4%) had definite need of treatment. Conclusion: The results give a detailed pattern of malocclusion in orthodontic patients and may provide a baseline data for research and planning orthodontic services.