Increase public awareness about the importance of prevention and treatment of malocclusion from an early age

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 14 views

Assessment of the Severity of Malocclusion with HMAR Analysis at the PPDGS Ortodontic FKG USU Clinic

Introduction

Malocclusion, a condition characterized by the abnormal alignment of teeth, is a widespread dental and oral health issue in Indonesia. The severity of malocclusion can have significant implications on an individual's quality of life, affecting their self-esteem, oral function, and overall health. To assess the severity of malocclusion, various methods are employed, with the Handicapping Malocclusion Assessment Record (HMAR) being one of the most commonly used tools. This study aims to analyze the severity of malocclusion in patients at the PPDGS Ortodontic FKG USU Clinic using HMAR.

Background

Malocclusion is a complex condition that can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The condition can manifest in various forms, including crowding, rotation, diastema, crossbite, open bite, and anteroposterior abnormalities. The severity of malocclusion can range from mild to severe, with the latter often requiring orthodontic treatment to correct.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional design, involving 40 study models from the PPDGS Ortodontic FKG USU Clinic. Researchers assessed various aspects of malocclusion visually, including lost teeth, rotation, crowding, diastema, crossbite, open bite, and anteroposterior abnormalities. Overjet and overbite were measured using a caliper. Each upper anterior tooth involved was given a score of 2, while the upper jaw posterior teeth, anterior and posterior lower jaw were given a score of 1.

Results

The results of the study showed an alarming severity of malocclusion among the patients at the PPDGS Ortodontic FKG USU Clinic. As many as 52.5% of patients had severe malocclusion that required treatment, followed by 22.5% of patients with moderate malocclusion that also required treatment. Only 7.5% of patients were classified as having mild malocclusion, and 17.5% of patients had mild malocclusion that required treatment.

Discussion

The findings of this study have several important implications for the prevention and treatment of malocclusion. Firstly, increasing public awareness about the importance of prevention and treatment of malocclusion from an early age is crucial. This can be achieved through education and outreach programs that target children and their parents.

Increasing access to orthodontic care is also essential. The results of this study showed that most of the patients in the clinic required orthodontic treatment. Increasing access to orthodontic services, both through government and private programs, is vital to help overcome the problem of malocclusion.

The importance of further research cannot be overstated. This study provides an initial picture of the severity of malocclusion at the clinic. However, further research with a broader scope is needed to understand national trends and identify risk factors related to malocclusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HMAR analysis of PPDGS Ortodontic FKG USU clinic patients showed a high percentage of severe malocclusion that required treatment. This finding confirms the importance of increasing public awareness about malocclusion, increasing access to orthodontic care, and conducting further research to understand this problem more deeply.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase public awareness about the importance of prevention and treatment of malocclusion from an early age.
Increase access to orthodontic care through government and private programs.
Conduct further research with a broader scope to understand national trends and identify risk factors related to malocclusion.

Limitations

This study had several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a single assessment tool. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and use multiple assessment tools to provide a more comprehensive understanding of malocclusion.

Future Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the following:

The effectiveness of different orthodontic treatment modalities in correcting malocclusion.
The impact of malocclusion on an individual's quality of life.
The role of genetics and environmental factors in the development of malocclusion.

By addressing these research gaps, we can gain a deeper understanding of malocclusion and develop effective strategies for its prevention and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malocclusion and HMAR Analysis

Q: What is malocclusion?

A: Malocclusion is a condition characterized by the abnormal alignment of teeth. It can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Q: What are the symptoms of malocclusion?

A: The symptoms of malocclusion can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

Crowding or overlapping of teeth
Rotation or tilting of teeth
Diastema (gaps between teeth)
Crossbite (upper teeth biting inside lower teeth)
Open bite (upper and lower teeth not meeting)
Anteroposterior abnormalities (teeth not aligned properly)

Q: What is HMAR analysis?

A: HMAR (Handicapping Malocclusion Assessment Record) is a tool used to assess the severity of malocclusion. It involves evaluating various aspects of malocclusion, including lost teeth, rotation, crowding, diastema, crossbite, open bite, and anteroposterior abnormalities.

Q: What are the benefits of HMAR analysis?

A: HMAR analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of malocclusion, allowing for the identification of treatment needs and the development of effective treatment plans. It also helps to:

Increase public awareness about the importance of prevention and treatment of malocclusion.
Increase access to orthodontic care.
Conduct further research to understand malocclusion more deeply.

Q: What are the limitations of HMAR analysis?

A: HMAR analysis has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study had a small sample size, which may not be representative of the larger population.
Use of a single assessment tool: The study used a single assessment tool, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of malocclusion.

Q: What are the future directions for research on malocclusion?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the following:

The effectiveness of different orthodontic treatment modalities in correcting malocclusion.
The impact of malocclusion on an individual's quality of life.
The role of genetics and environmental factors in the development of malocclusion.

Q: How can I prevent malocclusion?

A: Preventing malocclusion requires a combination of good oral hygiene habits, a balanced diet, and regular dental check-ups. Some specific tips for preventing malocclusion include:

Brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth.
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Q: What are the treatment options for malocclusion?

A: The treatment options for malocclusion depend on the severity of the condition. Some common treatment options include:

Orthodontic treatment: This involves the use of braces or other appliances to align teeth.
Surgical treatment: This involves surgical procedures to correct the alignment of teeth.
Dental restorations: This involves the use of dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges, to replace missing teeth.

Q: How can I find a qualified orthodontist?

A: To find a qualified orthodontist, you can:

Ask for referrals from friends, family, or your primary care dentist.
Check with your insurance provider to see if they have a list of qualified orthodontists in your area.
Check online reviews to see what other patients have to say about their experience with the orthodontist.