Assessment of Malocclusion in Population Groups

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Abstract
Objective methods for measuring departure of teeth from their ideal arch position and for summing up these findings to serve as a malalignment index are described. The index is presented as a useful tool for assessing malocclusion in population groups. The procedure is simple to apply and is designed for inclusion as part of the examination procedure used in rapid oral health surveys. Experience cited suggests that the method may be applied by different examiners with essentially comparable results. In a small group surveyed, a striking association was found between levels of index values and clinical ratings made by an experienced orthodontist. In its preliminary use as an epidemiological survey tool, the malalignment index demonstrated a progressive increase in average scores from age 12 to age 15 years. In the age groups studied, the largest contribution to total score is made by the mandibular anterior segment, but as age increases, the differences between the segments become progressively less apparent.

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