[Influence of orthodontic anomalies on periodontal condition]

Three main reasons are routinely cited to justify the provision of orthodontic treatment: improvement of facial and dental aesthetics and of dental health and function. However, association between malocclusions and periodontal condition is still controversial. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the correlation between certain orthodontic anomalies and periodontal condition.

One hundred and one subjects were included in this study. Information regarding oral hygiene habits and accessibility to professional oral health care were obtained from each subject. Malocclusions were assessed with the Indice of Orthodontc Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) and periodontal with the Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Need (CPITN). Spearman Rank correlation order was used to test for any association between malocclusions and periodontal condition. Significance was set at the 5% level.

Contact point displacements (malpositions) are positively and significantly correlated to CPITN in the mandibular arch. There was also significant negative correlation between spacing and CPITN in the maxilla. Openbite and overjet assessed by IOTN have a significant positive correlation with the periodontal condition as assessed by the CPITN. In contrast no correlation was found with dental crossbite (IOTN and ICON). At last, there was significant correlation between overbite and periodontal condition.

Significant correlations were found between malocclusions and periodontal condition. Within the limitation of this study one can suggest that malocclusions are risk marker for periodontal diseases. However, this study by virtue of its protocol cannot allow us to makeany inference about a cause/effect relationship between malocclusions and periodontal condition.