Malocclusion status of non-malayalee working class adult males in kerala – a cross sectional study

Background and aims of the study: The knowledge of the most prevalent form of malocclusion is essential for a defined community for various reasons including treatment planning and allocation of resources. The immigrant non-Malayalee crowd in Kerala is now contributing to the economic growth of Kerala and many of them are seeking treatment here. The aim of the study was to study the prevalence of most common malocclusion traits among immigrant non-Malayalee adult males in Kerala.
Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among the willing participants after obtaining informed consent. Clinical examination under standard oral health survey condition was performed. Various malocclusion traits including molar relation, incisor relation, upper and lower crowding and IOTN – DHC was assessed.
Results: Most subjects showed class I malocclusion, class II was observed in 20% of the sample and class III in 2.4%. Only 12.3% showed class I Bi Maxillary proclination.  Index of orthodontic treatment need showed no definite need for treatment in 64.3% of the sample and definite need among 14.8% of the sample. There was a significant difference between the two age groups compared in terms of malocclusion statuses based on IOTN. 
Conclusion: Immigrant Adult working class males in Kerala has almost similar treatment need statuses based on IOTN – DHC. However, they may seek orthodontic treatment mostly for class II malocclusion and present with a more possibility of having deep bite and poor oral hygiene which the orthodontist must be cautious while undertaking treatment.