Prevalence of malocclusion in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Data available on prevalence of malocclusions are mostly local or national-based, therefore this study aimed to pool data to determine the distribution of malocclusion traits in the permanent dentition across the African continent.

Methods: Recent studies published between 1990 and 2021 in PubMed, AJOL, PMC and Scopus on malocclusion prevalence in permanent dentition were reviewed. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using STROBE criteria.

Results: Out of 82,474 retrieved studies, 11 were included. In permanent dentition, the African prevalence of malocclusion was 76.1% (45 – 95.6%). The distributions of Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusion were 76.7% [50–96%], 9.7% [1.6–25.4%] and 4.0% [1–12%], respectively. Regarding vertical malocclusions, the observed deep overbite and open bite were 10.9% and 6.5%, respectively. Crossbites affected 9.8% of the sample.

Conclusion: In Africa, Angle Class I malocclusion is more prevalent in permanent dentition, the least prevalent was Class III. This information should advice policymakers, dentists, and orthodontists across Africa on policies and clinical strategies on prevention of malocclusion.