Prevalence of Crossbite and Open Bite among Patients Visiting Orthodontic Clinics at Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Malocclusion remains a common orthodontic problem worldwide, with crossbite and open bite contributing significantly to functional, esthetic, and psychosocial disturbances. Data on the prevalence of these conditions in Bangladeshi orthodontic populations are limited, particularly from prospective clinical settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of crossbite and open bite among patients visiting orthodontic clinics at tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh. This prospective cohort study was conducted at Multicenter, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 550 patients attending the orthodontic clinic were enrolled using purposive sampling. Clinical examination was performed using standard orthodontic diagnostic criteria to identify the presence and type of crossbite (anterior, posterior, unilateral, bilateral) and open bite (anterior, posterior). Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded systematically. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate prevalence, while associations were explored using appropriate inferential tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Among the 550 participants, crossbite was observed in 168 patients (30.5%), while open bite was identified in 96 patients (17.5%). Posterior crossbite constituted the majority of crossbite cases (62.5%), with unilateral presentation being more common than bilateral. Anterior open bite accounted for 71.9% of all open bite cases. Both conditions were more prevalent among adolescents and young adults, with a slightly higher occurrence in females; however, the gender difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Crossbite and open bite were found to be prevalent among orthodontic patients in this tertiary care setting, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and timely orthodontic intervention to prevent functional and esthetic complications.  

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:276-282