Prevalence of malocclusion and occlusal traits of Malay adults (18-23 years) in Shah Alam, Malaysia

Background: The incidence of malocclusion varies among countries, ethnicities, races, and ages. The recognition of malocclusion incidence is an important role in planning public health services. Aims: To assess the occlusal features of Malaysian Malay adults aged 18-23 years. However, few epidemiological studies have been conducted in Malaysia and a little information is available on Malay malocclusion. Methods: A total sample of 191 subjects (73 males and 118 females) was examined to register the occlusal status by using Angle classification as normal occlusion, Class I, Class II/1, Class II/2 and Class III malocclusion. Other variables were recorded such as overbite, over-jet, crowding, spacing, midline diastema, crossbite, scissors bite, midline shifts, canine displacement, missing teeth, supernumerary teeth, traumatically fractured teeth, traumatic gingival contact, tongue thrust and lip coverage. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics were used for all measurements and the chi-square test was used for gender differences. Results: Class III was the most predominant with gender significant (P < 0.05). Class II/2 was the lowest incidence (1%). Overall, the anterior crowding was high (75.9%). There was a significant association between crossbite, scissors bite and genders (P < 0.05). The anterior crossbite was more commonly associated with Class III and the antero-posterior unilateral crossbite was found only in subjects with Class III. Conclusion: The incidence of Class III was higher in Malay; therefore, the orthodontic management of Class III would be more common in the clinic so that it is necessary to start a plan to promote the preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment in Malay population.