Background: Oral health is an important component of general health and is associated with the development of a healthy personality. The malocclusion has been shown to affects oral health, leads to increased prevalence of dental caries and may result in temporo-mandibular joint disorders. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the malocclusion in subjects reporting for orthodontic treatment among Saudi population in Asser region by using Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed. A total of 162 study samples was participated in the study. A pre-designed proforma was used to evaluate various parameters determining malocclusion and DAI was used.
Results: The mean age of 27.07 ± 9.76 years. The mean DAI score of the study participants was 27.27 ± 13.83. Maximum (75%) of the participants had Angle's Class I molar relation followed by Angle's Class II and II. Comparison of mean over jet and DAI score in the various age groups using one-way ANOVA there was a statistically significant difference in the mean DAI score between the participants in the various age groups.
Conclusion: Knowing the prevalence of malocclusion in a community is of utmost importance, so that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent and treat the dentofacial irregularities.
Keywords: Dental Aesthetic Index; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; malocclusion; prevalence.