Investigation of Malocclusion Patterns and Orthodontic Treatment Need Among Adolescents in Osun State

Malocclusion affects aesthetics, function, and psychological wellbeing, and its prevalence assessment among Nigerian adolescents guides orthodontic service planning at state level. This study investigated malocclusion patterns and orthodontic treatment need among secondary school adolescents in Osogbo and Ile-Ife Local Government Areas, Osun State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 320 students aged 12 to 18 years. Clinical examinations were performed to classify malocclusion using Angle's classification and to determine orthodontic treatment need using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Data on perception of dental appearance, family history of malocclusion, and mouth breathing habits were collected. Results showed that 48.4 percent had Class I malocclusion, 28.1 percent Class II, and 8.4 percent Class III, with 15.1 percent having normal occlusion. Based on IOTN-DHC, definite treatment need was identified in 21.9 percent and borderline need in 32.2 percent. Crowding was the most frequent malocclusion feature. Students with perceived aesthetic concerns demonstrated significantly higher treatment motivation. Only 7.8 percent had received any orthodontic assessment previously. Mouth breathing was significantly associated with anterior open bite. The study concludes that the orthodontic treatment burden in Osun State adolescents is substantial. Recommendations include incorporating orthodontic screening into school health programmes, establishing orthodontic units in state general hospitals, and training general dental practitioners in basic orthodontic triage.

Keywords: malocclusion, IOTN, adolescents, orthodontic treatment need, Osun State