Distribution of Selected Occlusal Traits among a Sample of Sudanese Orthodontic Patients: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of malocclusion among a sample of Sudanese patients seeking orthodontic treatment, to estimate the distribution of various malocclusion traits in the same cohort, and to evaluate the link between various malocclusion categories and specific malocclusion traits. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 300 Sudanese patients’ casts was conducted. The casts were collected from patients attending the Orthodontic Training Centre in Khartoum, Sudan. The data were obtained from 300 sets of pretreatment orthodontic study models, which were articulated through bite registration using silicone material to assess the prevalence of malocclusion. Results: Three hundred participants met the inclusion criteria (Mean age 21.42; SD 7.91). Of these, 95 (32%) were males and 205 (68%) were females. In order of prevalence, Class II division 1 malocclusion was the most prevalent type (126; 42%). Class I malocclusion was the second most prevalent type (118; 39%), followed by Class III malocclusion (47; 16%). Class II division 2 was present among 9 (3%) participants. No significant differences related to age (p = 0.231) and gender (p = 0.496) were found. Conclusion: Class II division 1 malocclusion displayed the most significant prevalence in the sample, while Class III malocclusion showed the lowest prevalence. An open bite was primarily associated with Class III malocclusion. The prevalence of malocclusion in this study was comparable to that reported in regional populations.