Malocclusion predictors in children with primary dentition (part one)

Abstract

Relevance. The evaluation of malocclusion risk factor impact in primary dentition is an essential tool for prevention and treatment planning and high-quality child orthodontic care.The study aimed to determine malocclusion predictors in children with primary dentition.Material and methods. The article presents the retrospective dental status analysis findings of 123 children (55 boys and 68 girls). The initial oral examination was at 4.0 to 55 years old (average age was 5.1 ± 0.6 years), and the reexamination was at 6.0 to 10.5 years old (average age was 8.7 ± 1.3 years). We evaluated the presence of a relationship and its strength between the risk factors in primary dentition and malocclusion in early mixed dentition using Pearson's chi-squared test (χ2) and Kramer–Welch criterion (V). The study calculated the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval for each pair of primary dentition risk factors – early mixed dentition malocclusion.Results. Differentiation of predisposing factors and their combination analysis allowed the formation of predictor clusters for primary dentition with the clinical probability of malocclusion in the mixed dentition of over 95%. For distal occlusion, the risk factor cluster included early extraction of lower deciduous molars, mouth breathing and postural disorder (χ2 = 11.46, V = 0.47); for mesial occlusion – early extraction of upper deciduous incisors and upper deciduous molars (χ2 = 18.30, V = 0.53); for deep overbite and open bite – early extraction of lower deciduous molars and reverse swallowing (χ2 = 14.61, V = 0.56); for an anterior open-bite – interdental lisp and sucking habits (χ2 = 20.91, V = 0.50); for the mandibular lateral shift – unilateral extraction of lower molars and mouth breathing (χ2 = 9.98, V = 0.42).Conclusion. Malocclusion predictor identification and elimination in children with primary dentition reduce the likelihood of malocclusion formation in mixed dentition.