Individual factors associated to malocclusion in adolescents

The independent variables were place of residence, macro-region, self-reported ethnicity, income, gender, schooling, access to dental care, untreated caries and front and back teeth loss due to caries. A hierarchical multiple logistical regression analysis was performed, considering the complex cluster sampling plan. Prevalence of severe/very severe malocclusions was 17.5%.

After adjustments, black/brown ethnicity group (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.09-2.34), lower household income (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55-0-82), front (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.14-4.76) and back teeth (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14-1.84) loss due to caries were associated with the outcome. Therefore, we conclude that black/brown ethnicity, lower household income and greater number of front and back teeth loss due to caries increased the odds for severe/very severe malocclusion.