Prevalence and Patterns of Positional Dental Anomalies in First Permanent Molars: Insights from a Study in Oradea, Romania

Abstract

Tooth position anomalies, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, can significantly impact oral health and play a critical role in establishing proper occlusion. The aim of this study was to identify the most prevalent tooth position anomalies in first permanent molars among Romanian patients and to evaluate additional variables as well. This retrospective study utilized digital study models to identify all existing tooth position anomalies. The study included patients aged 12 to 40 years with complete permanent dentition. Axial changes (buccal tilting, oral tilting, mesial tilting, and distal tilting) as well as rotational changes (mesio-buccal rotation and disto-buccal rotation) were investigated. After applying the exclusion criteria, 103 patients remained in the study. Our findings revealed a notable prevalence of positional anomalies, with disto-buccal rotations being most common in upper molars (tooth 1.6–22.3%, tooth 2.6–31.1%) and oral tilting predominating in lower molars (tooth 3.6–6.8%, tooth 4.6–14.6%). Interestingly, neither gender nor malocclusion type significantly influenced the occurrence of tooth position anomalies. Symmetrical patterns in positional changes were observed, with patients having tooth position anomalies at 1.6 significantly more frequently associated with anomalies at 2.6. Similarly, anomalies at 3.6 were significantly more frequently associated with anomalies at 4.6. Additionally, for molars 2.6 and 3.6 on the left side, the differences were statistically significant, with patients having anomalies at 2.6 significantly more frequently associated with anomalies at 3.6. This pattern was not observed for the molars situated on the right side of the dental arches. While this study provides insights into positional anomalies in first permanent molars among the Romanian population, its retrospective design and focus on a specific demographic may limit generalizability. In conclusion, the study underscores the significant prevalence of positional anomalies in first permanent molars among adolescents and adults in Oradea, Romania. Early detection and targeted interventions are crucial to address these anomalies and improve orthodontic outcomes. Comprehensive assessment and treatment planning are essential to achieve optimal dental harmony and function. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to these positional changes and their long-term impact on oral health and occlusal stability.