Summary
Dental malocclusions can affect the form, function and esthetics of the stomatognathic system, which, due to their high prevalence worldwide, are considered a Public Health problem. Rapa Nui is an island territory for which there is no data on the prevalence of malocclusions in its population. The objective of this study was to collect epidemiological data on dental malocclusions in the school population of Rapa Nui and thus contribute to the elaboration of preventive and therapeutic public policies. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out to determine the prevalence and type of dental malocclusions present in the school population of Rapa Nui. The instruments applied were: Sociodemographic survey, dental clinic and obtaining plaster models to determine alterations of the occlusion in the 3 planes of space. The study population consisted of 121 children (54 females and 67 males) between 5 and 17 years of age. A high percentage of Class II malocclusions were evidenced. In the population studied anomalies were evidenced, among which the most important were class II canine and molar relation (according to Angle, 52 % and 46.3 % respectively), increased protrusion (25.6 %) and cross bite or vis a vis (36 %). Therefore, it is considered relevant to suggest the implementation of preventive programs to improve oral health of this population.
KEY WORDS: malocclusion, Rapa Nui, Chile, oral health.
How to cite this article
SALAS-SOTO, M. SCIARAFFIA-RUBIO, P.; GUIÑEZ-MACIEL, J. & DÍAZ-MUÑOZ, A. Prevalence of malocclusions in the school population of Rapa Nui, Chile: Descriptive study. Int. J. Odontostomat., 18(2):170-175, 2024.
