Prevalence of Malocclusion among Indian Children Aged 12-15 Years Using Dental Aesthetic Index– A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Introduction: Malocclusion has a large impact on both individuals and society in terms of discomfort, quality of life, social and functional limitations. Aim: To systematically review the literature on prevalence of malocclusion among 12-15 year old Indian children using Dental Aesthetic Index. Methods: A literature search was obtained for relevant articles on malocclusion status of Indian children aged 12-15 years using 4 electronic retrieval systems and data bases. The search was limited to human studies, articles published during the period of January 2000 to July 2014 and those measured malocclusion using Dental Aesthetic Index. The methodological quality of an article was assessed based on Cochrane Collaboration criteria.Final inclusion was determined by evaluating the article based on relevance criteria. Results: A total of 856 articles were identified by the literature search, out of which 17 articles were selected for the final review. These articles were read in full and scored independently by two reviewers and evidence was extracted for all the outcomes measured. Prevalence of malocclusion among Indian children ranged from 20% to 40% and Maxillary overjet was the most common type of malocclusion which accounted for 38% to 78%. Conclusion: Malocclusion among Indian children is on a rise. It is not a single entity but rather a collection of situations, each in itself constituting a problem, and can be complicated by a multitude of genetic and environmental causes. The need to implement preventive and interceptive orthodontic care is of utmost importance.