Understanding Malocclusion and Orthodontic Care Needs

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 41 views

The Prevalence of Malocclusion and the Level of Orthodontic Care Needs Based on the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) at Eria Medan High School

Malocclusion is a common dental condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including Indonesia. It is characterized by a mismatch between the position of the teeth and jaw, or deviations in the development of facial and teeth structures. This condition can lead to various problems, including disorders of mastication functions, manners, speaking, and can affect the appearance of a person's face. In Indonesia, the prevalence of malocclusion is relatively high, especially among teenagers. This indicates an urgent need for orthodontic care to improve these conditions.

Understanding Malocclusion and Orthodontic Care Needs

Malocclusion is a complex condition that can be caused by various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and habits. It can be classified into different types, including Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusion. Class I malocclusion is the most common type, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly. Class II malocclusion is characterized by an overbite, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. Class III malocclusion is characterized by an underbite, where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth.

The level of orthodontic care needs can be determined using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). The DAI is a tool used to evaluate the aesthetic and functional aspects of the teeth and jaw. It is a useful tool for orthodontists and dentists to determine the level of orthodontic care needs and to develop a treatment plan.

Research Methodology

The research conducted at Eria Medan High School aims to find out how high the prevalence of malocclusion is among students and to evaluate the level of orthodontic care needs using DAI. The method used in this study is descriptive with purposive sampling technique. Of the total 100 students who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, this study involves printing the dental model from the upper jaw and lower jaw. Furthermore, this tooth model is analyzed to identify the prevalence of malocclusion based on the classification of angles and to determine the level of orthodontic care needs based on preachers.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the prevalence of the malocclusion found in Eria Medan High School is as follows: Class I Angle (42%), Class III Subdivision (20%), Class II Subdivision (18%), Class III (11%), Class II Division 2 (7%), and Class II Division 1 (2%). From the Dai analysis, it was found that 48% of students did not or only a little require orthodontic treatment, 26% require treatment as an option, 16% really requires treatment, and 10% must do orthodontic care.

The results of this study provide a clear picture of the prevalence of malocclusion among Eria Medan High School students. With the majority of students experiencing class I angle, this shows that most students have a relatively good dental relationship, although there are still some students with more complex malocclusion conditions such as class II and class III.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Malocclusion not only affects aesthetic aspects, but can also have an impact on oral health. Irregular teeth can cause difficulties in maintaining tooth hygiene, which in turn can increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Therefore, awareness of the importance of orthodontic care must be improved among adolescents and the general public.

In addition, the results of the preacher showing that 48% of students do not need treatment can be interpreted that education about dental health and the importance of orthodontic examinations is still very necessary. Many students may not realize that they are in a category that requires orthodontic attention.

Conclusion and Recommendations

With the existing results, it is important for the school and parents to increase understanding of orthodontic malocclusion and care. As a step ahead, dental and oral health counseling programs in schools can be held to provide useful information for students and parents. Thus, it is hoped that dental health awareness will increase, and more students will get the treatment needed.

This study highlighted the importance of dental health checks regularly, as well as the need for initial intervention to overcome the problem of malocclusion among adolescents. Prevention efforts can prevent more serious problems in the future, as well as improve the quality of life and confidence of students.

Future Research Directions

Future research can focus on the effectiveness of dental and oral health counseling programs in schools, as well as the impact of orthodontic care on the quality of life and confidence of students. Additionally, research can be conducted to identify the factors that contribute to the development of malocclusion among adolescents, and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single school. Therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other schools or populations. Additionally, the study only focused on the prevalence of malocclusion and the level of orthodontic care needs, and did not investigate other factors that may contribute to the development of malocclusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of dental health checks regularly, as well as the need for initial intervention to overcome the problem of malocclusion among adolescents. The results of this study provide a clear picture of the prevalence of malocclusion among Eria Medan High School students, and highlight the need for education about dental health and the importance of orthodontic examinations. Future research can focus on the effectiveness of dental and oral health counseling programs in schools, as well as the impact of orthodontic care on the quality of life and confidence of students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malocclusion and Orthodontic Care

Malocclusion is a common dental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to various problems, including disorders of mastication functions, manners, speaking, and can affect the appearance of a person's face. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about malocclusion and orthodontic care.

Q: What is malocclusion?

A: Malocclusion is a condition in which there is a mismatch between the position of the teeth and jaw, or deviations in the development of facial and teeth structures.

Q: What are the types of malocclusion?

A: Malocclusion can be classified into different types, including Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusion. Class I malocclusion is the most common type, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly. Class II malocclusion is characterized by an overbite, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. Class III malocclusion is characterized by an underbite, where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth.

Q: What are the symptoms of malocclusion?

A: The symptoms of malocclusion can include:

Disorders of mastication functions
Disorders of manners and speaking
Affecting the appearance of a person's face
Difficulty in maintaining tooth hygiene
Increased risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease

Q: How is malocclusion diagnosed?

A: Malocclusion can be diagnosed through a visual examination of the teeth and jaw, as well as through the use of dental models and X-rays.

Q: What is the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI)?

A: The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) is a tool used to evaluate the aesthetic and functional aspects of the teeth and jaw. It is a useful tool for orthodontists and dentists to determine the level of orthodontic care needs and to develop a treatment plan.

Q: What are the treatment options for malocclusion?

A: The treatment options for malocclusion can include:

Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners
Dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges
Surgical procedures, such as jaw surgery
Orthodontic appliances, such as retainers or headgear

Q: How can I prevent malocclusion?

A: You can prevent malocclusion by:

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits
Avoiding habits that can lead to malocclusion, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
Getting regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Wearing a mouthguard or orthodontic appliance as recommended by your dentist or orthodontist

Q: How can I find a qualified orthodontist or dentist?

A: You can find a qualified orthodontist or dentist by:

Asking for referrals from friends or family members
Checking with your local dental society or orthodontic association
Checking online reviews or ratings
Checking with your insurance provider to see if they have a list of qualified providers

Q: What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

A: The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment and the location of the provider. On average, the cost of orthodontic treatment can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Q: Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?

A: Some insurance plans may cover orthodontic treatment, but it depends on the specific plan and the provider. It's best to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover orthodontic treatment.

Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take?

A: The length of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment and the complexity of the case. On average, orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more.

Q: What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

A: The benefits of orthodontic treatment can include:

Improved appearance of the teeth and jaw
Improved function of the teeth and jaw
Improved oral health
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Improved overall quality of life.