Prevalence of anterior cross bite in preadolescent orthodontic patients attending an orthodontic clinic

Introduction: Anterior cross bite is a common malocclusion and early treatment is indicated. Determining its prevalence is important to plan orthodontic services.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated features of anterior cross bite in pre-adolescent patients attending an orthodontic clinic.

Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted. Seven hundred and twenty one consecutive patients were examined for anterior cross bite. Anterior cross bite were recorded when maxillary incisor/s occluded lingually to mandibular incisor/s in centric occlusion. Mandibular displacement, gingival recession, tooth mobility, presence of posterior cross bite and skeletal pattern were also assessed.

Results: Of the 721 patients, 193 (26.7%) had anterior cross bite. Twenty two (11.4%) had both anterior and posterior cross bite. Among patients with anterior cross bite 62% had unilateral involvement and 38% had bilateral involvement. One hundred (51.8%) had involvement of only one incisor while 64 (33.2%) had involvement of two incisors. Class 1 skeletal pattern was found in 103 (53.37%) patients with anterior cross bite, Class 2 skeletal pattern in 33 (17.1%) and Class 3 skeletal pattern in 57 (29.53%). Mandibular displacement was present in 93 (48.19%) patients and 5 (2.5%) showed tooth wear in anterior cross bite. Gingival recession was seen in 43 (22.3%) and tooth mobility of involved lower incisors in 12 (6.2%).

Conclusions: The prevalence of anterior cross bite is high in pre-adolescent patients attending an orthodontic clinic.