Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Angle's Class Malocclusion Asymmetries Without Crossbite in Primary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Angle's dental class asymmetries not associated with crossbite are malocclusions that are often underestimated in pediatric patients. However, they may be associated with alterations in the development of the stomatognathic system.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Angle's class asymmetries without crossbite in primary-school-aged children and to investigate possible associations with perinatal, clinical, and functional variables.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study analyzed a sample of 391 children aged 6 to 11 years, attending a primary school in the metropolitan area of Milan, Italy. Data were systematically collected through both clinical examination and patient history, with the aim of identifying significant correlations with the occurrence of dental asymmetries in the absence of crossbite.

RESULTS

The results revealed a higher prevalence of occlusal asymmetries associated with factors such as oral breathing, low tongue posture, type of delivery, formula feeding, and systemic diseases during the first three years of life. Advanced carious lesions and inclination of the occlusal plane were significantly associated with asymmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to prevent malocclusions and complex craniofacial dysfunctions later in life.