PREVALENCE OF MALOCCLUSION IN 6-12 YEAR-OLD SCHOOLCHILDREN IN THE CITY OF JOÃO PESSOA/ PARAÍBA

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion in school children aged 6 to 12 years enrolled in municipal schools of Polo 1, in João Pessoa-PB. Material and Methods: The number of participants was defined by calculating the sample and consisted of 370 schoolchildren of both genders who fulfilled the established inclusion criteria. Clinical examination was performed, by visual inspection, under natural light, by a single examiner previously calibrated. Dentofacial abnormalities were evaluated by the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and the data was submitted to chi-square test. Results: According to the normative criteria (DAI), orthodontic treatment was considered necessary in 70.8% (n=262) of cases classified in the categories elective, highly desirable and essential, respectively, 25.1% (n = 93), 18.7% (n=69) and 27% (n=100) of schoolchildren. The DAI was influenced by gender, with a higher frequency of elective treatment and fundamental in girls and highly desirable for boys. No significant difference was found in DAI at different ages analyzed. The crowding was the most prevalent malocclusion (62.2%; n=230), followed by spacing in anterior teeth (28.1%; n = 104), median diastema equal to or greater than 2mm (17.8%; n = 66) and overjet equal to or greater than 4mm (17.3%; n= 64). Conclusion: The prevalence of malocclusion is high in school children 6-12 years in João Pessoa/PB, and in a number expressive of cases needs the orthodontic treatment is highly desirable and essential. DESCRIPTORS: Malocclusion. Mixed Dentition. Cross-Sectional Studies.