Orthodontic Status Assessment of Bulgarian Children Aged 3 to 6 Years

Introduction: The importance of oral health prevention cannot be overstated and encompasses general oral health as well as orthodontic care. The occlusion observed in the primary dentition can serve as an indicator for the future occlusion in the permanent dentition. If certain occlusal discrepancies present in the primary dentition are not addressed appropriately or timely, they may persist into the mixed or permanent dentition. The aim of the study was to assess the orthodontic status of preschool children. Material and methods: The study included 200 children aged 3 to 6. The children underwent an orthodontic clinical examination with a standard dental examination set and a periodontal probe graduated in mm. The occlusion of the children was analyzed by evaluating the following parameters: molar relationship, canine relationship, and presence of physiological spaces. Results: A flush terminal plane and a Class I canine relationship are prevalent among most children studied. Most children also exhibit spaced dentition or primate spaces. Conclusion: Our findings suggest favorable occlusal characteristics and a higher likelihood of achieving correct occlusion in their permanent dentition.