Association between 2 indexes for evaluating malocclusion in the mixed dentition

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to associate 2 indexes for evaluating malocclusion in the mixed dentition.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 743 children aged 8-10 years, divided into early and late mixed dentition. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and criteria proposed by Grabowski were used to evaluate malocclusion. Associations between the DAI (outcome variable) and the other independent variables (gender, race, and mixed dentition stage) were analyzed using logistic regression models. Simple logistic regression models were constructed, estimating the crude odds ratios with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The variables with P < 0.20 in the simple analyses were tested in multiple logistic regression models, estimating adjusted odds ratios with the respective 95% CIs.

Results: We found that 84.01% (185/220) of the diagnoses were coincidental between the Grabowski Index and DAI in patients without malocclusion. In contrast, 59.80% (439/734) of the patients were diagnosed by both indexes (Grabowski and DAI) with malocclusion. Children with malocclusion, diagnosed by the Grabowski Index, were 5.85 (P = 0.0001 and 95% CI: 4.08-8.39) times more likely to show malocclusions when diagnosed by the DAI.

Conclusions: DAI and the criteria proposed by Grabowski were expressed differently in relation to malocclusion in the mixed dentition. This study suggests the importance of specific criteria for the evaluation of malocclusion at this stage of development.