Methods of assessing and grading malocclusion: a review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Public Health

Background:

• Malocclusion assessment methods are crucial for diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment planning.
• Existing classification systems, like Angle's, have historical significance but limitations in modern applications.
• The inherent complexity of malocclusion poses challenges for standardized assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and appraise historical and current methods for assessing and grading malocclusion.
• To evaluate the advantages and weaknesses of various malocclusion assessment tools.
• To identify gaps in current methodologies, particularly for measuring treatment complexity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of diagnostic, epidemiological, treatment need, treatment success, and treatment complexity assessment methods.
• Critical appraisal of the objectivity, reliability, and applicability of existing indices.
• Analysis of the multifactorial and multivariate characteristics of malocclusion.

Main Results:

• Angle's classification, while widely used, is more suited for treatment planning than epidemiological studies.
• Many indices for assessing treatment need lack objectivity.
• Current indices for treatment standards demonstrate good reliability but are not universally applicable.
• A significant gap exists in the development of indices to measure treatment complexity.

Conclusions:

• No single malocclusion classification system is sufficient for comprehensive dentofacial assessment.
• Existing assessment tools have limitations in objectivity and scope.
• Further research is needed to develop robust methods for evaluating malocclusion treatment complexity.