Pattern of malocclusions in saudi arabian patients attending for orthodontic treatment at the college of dentistry, king Saud University, Riyadh

The prevalence of many orthodontic-related variables was investigated and analyzed in the largest orthodontic clinic in Saudi Arabia. The results of the study indicate that the majority of the orthodontic cases were young patients with females showing a marginally higher percentage than males. Class I molar relationship, permanent dentition, ovoid arch form, crowding, asymmetrical tooth extraction and asymmetrical arch were found most frequently. A very strong correlation was found between asymmetrical tooth extraction and the existence of dental arch asymmetry. Cross bite, crowding and class III molar relationship may be the principal reasons for patients to seek orthodontic treatment.Corresponding Author: Dr. Khalid M. Al-Balkhi, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, King Saud University, College of Dentistry, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia. Email: kbalkhi@ksu.edu.s