Recording and measuring malocclusion: a review of the literature

The methods of recording and measuring malocclusion can be broadly divided into two types: qualitative and quantitative. Among the qualitative methods of recording malocclusion, Angle's method of classifying malocclusion with or without modifications is probably the most widely used. The "WHO/FDI Basic Method for Recording of Malocclusion" was published in 1979 to establish an assessment format to determine the prevalence of malocclusion and to estimate treatment needs of a population. Among the many occlusion indices developed by various research workers, the occlusal index developed by Summers appeared to have the least amount of bias, is best correlated with clinical standards and has the highest validity during time. More recently, methods have also been developed to enable assessment of treatment need according to grade index scales. However, experience in using these methods is still very limited.