Evaluation of risk of malocclusion in primary dentition by using Baby-ROMA (Risk Of Malocclusion Assessment Index) in 3–6-year-old children of Rajnandgaon District, Chhattisgarh: A Cross Sectional Study

SummaryOrthodontic therapies during primary dentition play a crucial role in promoting oral health and preventing more complex treatments in permanent dentition. The unique features of primary dentition lay the foundation for proper eruption and alignment of permanent teeth. Preventive orthodontic therapies aim to encourage physiological development and avoid the progression of malocclusions, while interceptive treatments restore normal occlusion when malocclusion occurs.

Early orthodontic interventions are particularly beneficial for correcting skeletal malocclusions in young children, offering more stable outcomes, reduced need for permanent teeth extractions, lower costs, decreased enamel hypoplasia and periodontal diseases, and higher parental satisfaction. Early treatment is especially recommended for space discrepancies caused by premature loss of primary teeth or crowding.

Orthodontic treatment need indices, like the Orthodontic Index (OI) and the Index of Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment Need (IPION), have limitations in addressing skeletal and functional problems or assessing malocclusion prevalence. To address these gaps, the baby ROMA Index was developed to target primary dentition, focusing on early diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions.

A study is planned to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and the need for preventive orthodontic treatment in 3–6-year-old children in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh, using the baby ROMA Index.

Study Details:

• Aim: Assess the risk of malocclusion in primary dentition using the baby ROMA Index.
• Objectives:
• Primary: Determine the prevalence of malocclusion in 3–6-year-old children.
• Secondary: Evaluate preventive orthodontic treatment needs.
• Sample Design: Multistage stratified random sampling.
• Sample Size: 600 children aged 3–6 years from pre-primary schools in Rajnandgaon district.
• Inclusion Criteria: Children aged 3–6 years with primary dentition, residents of Chhattisgarh, and parental consent.
• Exclusion Criteria: Non-cooperative children and those undergoing orthodontic treatment.