Prevalence of Malocclusion in Down Syndrome Individuals in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Malocclusion is an appreciable deviation from the ideal occlusion that is  considered unsatisfactory. The prevalence of malocclusion could be affected by ethnicity, race and genetic influence. The objective of this study was to determine  the prevalence of malocclusion traits with respect to sagittal, transverse and vertical relationships among Down syndrome.

Methods: The study was conducted among 19 Down syndrome and 19 control  individuals (age 10 -15 years; 10 males and 9 females for each study group). The  mean ages were 12.6  2.1 years and 12.4  1.7 years for Down syndrome and  controls respectively. Statistical significance was evaluated using chi-square test.  Fischer exact test was used when an expected frequency presentation was < 5. A  significant level of p<0.05 was set for this study.

Results: This showed class III  skeletal pattern (Down syndrome, 73.7%; control 21.1%) and class III incisal (Down  syndrome, 73.7%; control 26.3%), Posterior crossbite (Down syndrome, 68.4%;  control 10.6%) and anterior crossbite (Down syndrome, 63.2%; control 15.8%) were  significantly higher among Down syndrome individuals. The prevalence of bilateral  Angle class III was 31.6% and 5.3% for Down syndrome and control individuals  respectively. Anterior open bite was also more prevalent among Down syndrome  (26.3%) than control (5.3%).

Conclusion: Down syndrome individuals had significant higher prevalence of sagittal (skeletal pattern III, incisor class III relationship,  anterior crossbite), transverse (posterior crossbite and anterior crossbite) and  vertical relationships (anterior open bite) than control individuals. Orthodontists  should take note of the high prevalence of malocclusion among Down syndrome .