[Angle class I malocclusion in primary dentition and findings in permanent dentition--a follow-up study]

The aim of the study was to examine stability and changes in Angle Class I malocclusion from deciduous to permanent dentition in 168 subjects. All the subjects had Class I malocclusion in deciduous dentition, and were examined by the same orthodontist on two occasions during deciduous and permanent dentition. None of the subjects had received orthodontic therapy in the meantime. The results showed considerable changes from primary to permanent dentition. Crowding in primary dentition was retained in permanent dentition in 45.2% cases. In 16.2% cases it changed into normocclusion and 38.6% subjects developed other types of malocclusion. Open bite was retained in permanent dentition in 17.8% cases and in 17.8% subjects transformed into normocclusion. 64.4% subjects developed other types of malocclusion. Cross bite was retained in permanent dentition in 21.4% cases and in 28.6% subjects changed to normocclusion. Other types of malocclusion in permanent dentition developed in 50% subjects. In 30.8% of cases finding of premature loss of deciduous teeth was accompanied by extraction of some permanent teeth. Normocclusion was retained in 19.2% cases while 50% of children developed some type of malocclusion. Crowding, which was retained in permanent dentition in 45.2% cases, showed the highest degree of stability. Children with this type of anomaly in primary dentition displayed the highest frequency of total malocclusions (83.3% subjects). Out of all anomalies in primary dentition, cross bite most frequently switched to normal occlusion in permanent dentition (in 28.6% cases).