Epidemiology of Normative Orthodontic Anomalies among Adolescent Boys in Urban Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional School-Based Study

Bamidele O. Popoola^1, and Orighoye T. Temisanren¹

¹Department of Child Oral Health, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Cite this paper:
Bamidele O. Popoola and Orighoye T. Temisanren. Epidemiology of Normative Orthodontic Anomalies among Adolescent Boys in Urban Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional School-Based Study. International Journal of Dental Sciences and Research. 2025; 13(2):28-36. doi: 10.12691/ijdsr-13-2-2

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence and patterns of normative orthodontic anomalies among adolescent boys in public secondary schools in urban Ibadan, and to explore associations with sociodemographic variables. Material & Method: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 706 male students aged 10–19 years using multistage sampling across three urban local government areas in Ibadan. Clinical examination was carried out assessing orthodontic anomalies including spacing, crowding, tooth rotation, and Angles malocclusion class. Demographic data was collected via structured questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariable analyses evaluated associations between anomalies and age, school class level, parental education, and socioeconomic status (SES). Results: Orthodontic anomalies were highly prevalent, with upper arch spacing (37.3%), tooth rotation (28.9%), lower arch spacing (25.9%), and lower arch crowding (25.5%) most common. Class I malocclusion was predominant. Anomalies varied significantly by age group and school class level (p < 0.05). Lower arch crowding and spacing were significantly more frequent among low and middle SES groups. Logistic regression identified school class level, but not age or SES, as an independent predictor of lower crowding (AOR = 2.36, p = 0.038). Conclusion: Normative orthodontic anomalies are widespread among adolescent boys in urban Ibadan, with sociodemographic disparities evident. School-based screening and preventive orthodontic programs targeting underserved populations are needed.

Keywords:
Malocclusion Orthodontic anomalies Adolescents boys Socioeconomic status School-based survey

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]	Cenzato, N., Nobili, A. and Maspero, C., "Prevalence of Dental Malocclusions in Different Geographical Areas: Scoping Review," Dent J (Basel), 9(10), pp.117, Oct. 2021.
[2]	Petrescu, S-M-S., Pisc, R.M., Ioana, T., Mărășescu, F.I., Manolea, H.O., Popescu, M.R., Dragomir, L.P., Dragomir, L.C., Florea, Ș. and Bărăscu-Petrescu, R.A., "Prevalence of Malocclusions among Schoolchildren from Southwestern Romania," Diagnostics, 14(7), pp.705, 2024.
[3]	Alhammadi, M.S., Halboub, E., Fayed, M.S., Labib, A. and El-Saaidi, C., "Global distribution of malocclusion traits: A systematic review," Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, 23(6), pp.40–e1, 2018.
[4]	Bourzgui, F., Sebbar, M., Hamza, M., Lazrak, L. and Abidine, Z., "Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in 8–12-year-old schoolchildren in Casablanca, Morocco," Prog Orthod, 13(2), pp.164–172, 2012.
[5]	Dimberg, L., Lennartsson, B., Söderfeldt, B. and Bondemark, L., "Malocclusions in children at 3 and 7 years of age: a longitudinal study," European Journal of Orthodontics, 35(1), pp.131–137, 2011.
[6]	Dacosta, O.O., "The prevalence of malocclusion among a population of northern Nigeria school children," West African Journal of Medicine, 18(2), pp.91–96, 1999.
[7]	Aikins, E.A. and Onyeaso, C.O., "Prevalence of malocclusion and occlusal traits among adolescents and young adults in Rivers State, Nigeria," Odonto-Stomatologie Tropicale, 37(145), pp.5–12, 2014.
[8]	Koleoso, D.U., Utomi, I.L. and Savage, K.O., "Prevalence of malocclusion among 12-year-old school children in Lagos State," Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care, 16(2), pp.43–46, 2004.
[9]	Onyeaso, C.O., "Prevalence of malocclusion among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria," American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 126(5), pp.604–607, 2004.
[10]	Dacosta, O.O., "The prevalence of malocclusion among a population of northern Nigerian schoolchildren," West African Journal of Medicine, 18(2), pp.91–96, 1999.
[11]	Oyedeji, G.A., "Socio-economic and cultural background of hospitalized children in Ilesha," Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics, 12, pp.111–117, 1985.
[12]	Ajayi, E.O., "Prevalence of malocclusion among school children in Benin City, Nigeria," Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research, 7(1–2), 2008.
[13]	Otuyemi, O.D., Ugboko, V.I., Adekoya-Sofowora, C.A. and Ndukwe, K.C., "Unmet orthodontic treatment need in rural Nigerian adolescents," Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 25(5), pp.363–366, 1997.
[14]	Onyeaso, C.O., "Malocclusion pattern among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria," West African Journal of Medicine, 23(1), pp.32–35, 2004.
[15]	Al-Balkhi, K.M., "The prevalence of malocclusion in Saudi Arabia: A review of literature," Journal of Orthodontic Science, 3(2), pp.41–46, 2014.
[16]	Proffit, W.R., Fields, H.W., Larson, B.E. and Sarver, D.M., Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, 2018.
[17]	Iida, J., Kaneko, T., Nakanishi, M., Yoshizawa, S., Yamamoto, T. and Sato, Y., "Lip incompetence and myofunctional therapy," The Japanese Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, 38, pp.130–135, 2017.
[18]	Nagda, S.C. and Dixit, U.B., "Current evidence on the effect of pre-orthodontic trainers in the early treatment of malocclusion," Journal of Orthodontic Research, 2019.
[19]	Ab Rahman, N.A., Alam, M., Abdul Rahman, A.N.A. and Chek, W.M., "Timely combination therapy of skeletal and dental Class II malocclusion with temporary anchorage device and mesially impacted mandibular 2nd molars: a case report," Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science, 20(3), pp.682–690, 2021.