Prevalence of malocclusion traits in an Australian adult population.

The prevalence of certain malocclusion traits in an Australia adult population was examined in a sample of 113 female and 103 male adult subjects aged between 18 and 64 years (average age = 38.1 years). If cross-sectional studies of younger population groups are to be used for research into the long-term physiological effects of malocclusion, it is essential to know if certain and specific malocclusion traits are stable over time. In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of many malocclusion traits did not change; however, with advancing age, the incidence of posterior crowding, posterior rotations, posterior crossbite and anterior irregularity increased significantly.