Prevalence and awareness of malocclusion in Swedish men

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Abstract
Previous orthodontic treatment, the awareness of malocclusion, the demand for orthodontic treatment and the prevalence of malocclusion were studied in 389 Swedish men, ages 21-54 yr (mean age 32 yr). Nine percent were treated with an orthodontic appliance and 15% reported that permanent teeth were extracted on orthodontic indications. Malposition of teeth was found in 75%, with rotation as the most common type of malposition. Crowding was recorded in 43% and spacing in 18%. Fifty-seven percent had some occlusal anomaly. The need for orthodontic treatment was rated on a 4-point scale. Treatment was needed in 76%. The need for treatment was only slight in half of the men but moderate to urgent in 25% of the sample. About a quarter of the men were aware of malposition of front teeth, equally often for maxillary and mandibular teeth, but only about 1% were aware of malposition of posterior teeth. Only a few percent thought they were in need of orthodontic treatment. The presence of malocclusion was correlated to age, place of birth and educational level. This might perhaps be a consequence of tooth loss.