Prevalence and pattern of orthodontic malocclusion in children aged 10–12 years: A systematic review of epidemiological studies.

Dr.D Hemalatha; Karthik  Shunmugavelu; Santosh  Kumar S

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2466

Authors

Dr Hemalatha Devendran Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry , PSP medical college hospital and research institute Tambaram Kanchipuram
Dr. Karthik Shunmugavelu BDS, MDS OMFP, MSC LONDON, MFDSRCS ENGLAND, MFDSRCPS GLASGOW, Faculty affiliate RCS IRELAND, Affiliate RCS EDINBURGH, Associate faculty- faculty of dental trainers Edinburgh, MCIP, FIBMS USA, MASID Australia, Assistant Professor, Department of Dentistry, PSP medical college hospital and research institute, Tambaram, Kanchipuram main road, Oragadam, Panruti, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu 631604 India
Santosh Kumar S Undergraduate(MBBS) PSP medical college hospital and research institute Tambaram Kanchipuram

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2466

Keywords:

Angle’s classification, Epidemiology, Late mixed dentition, Malocclusion, Occlusal traits, Orthodontic malocclusion, Prevalence, School children

Abstract

Background

Malocclusion is a highly prevalent developmental condition in children and contributes to functional, esthetic, and psychosocial concerns. The age group of 10–12 years represents late mixed dentition, a critical phase for orthodontic evaluation and interceptive care. Considerable variation in reported prevalence necessitates focused synthesis within this specific age range.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the prevalence and pattern of orthodontic malocclusion in children aged 10–12 years based on epidemiological studies.

Materials and methods

This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. School-based or population-based cross-sectional studies reporting malocclusion prevalence in children aged 10–12 years were included. Extracted data comprised study characteristics, diagnostic criteria, prevalence rates, sagittal molar relationships, and occlusal traits. Risk of bias was assessed using criteria appropriate for prevalence studies. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

Four cross-sectional epidemiological studies from India, Turkey, and Iraq were included, representing 6,444 children. Reported malocclusion prevalence ranged from approximately three-quarters to more than four-fifths of the study populations. Angle’s Class I malocclusion was consistently the most prevalent sagittal pattern, followed by Class II, while Class III was the least common. Increased overjet, increased overbite, crossbite, and midline deviations were frequently observed occlusal traits. No consistent gender differences were reported.

Conclusion

Malocclusion affects a substantial proportion of children aged 10–12 years, predominantly presenting as dental malalignment during late mixed dentition. Early screening programs and interceptive orthodontic strategies are warranted.

Future research

Standardized diagnostic criteria, multicentric longitudinal designs, and uniform reporting of occlusal traits are needed to improve comparability and strengthen epidemiological evidence.

Author Biography

Dr. Karthik Shunmugavelu, BDS, MDS OMFP, MSC LONDON, MFDSRCS ENGLAND, MFDSRCPS GLASGOW, Faculty affiliate RCS IRELAND, Affiliate RCS EDINBURGH, Associate faculty- faculty of dental trainers Edinburgh, MCIP, FIBMS USA, MASID Australia, Assistant Professor, Department of Dentistry, PSP medical college hospital and research institute, Tambaram, Kanchipuram main road, Oragadam, Panruti, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu 631604 India

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