Prevalence of Anteroposterior facial lateral profile pattern and orthodontic malocclusions for Libyan schoolchildren in Tarhuna city: an epidemiological study

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion represents a significant public health concern among pediatric populations, leading to potential functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. Assessing local prevalence patterns is essential to inform targeted preventive strategies and early interceptive interventions Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anteroposterior facial lateral profile patterns and orthodontic malocclusions among primary schoolchildren in Tarhuna city, Libya. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted on 1,310 schoolchildren (640 males, 670 females) across 8 primary schools in Tarhuna during the 2025–2026 academic year. Standardized clinical examinations recorded extra-oral profile patterns, intra-oral molar/canine/incisor classifications, overjet, overbite, open bite, and crossbite occurrences. Data were evaluated using SPSS (v26.0) with Chi-square tests (p < 0.05) Results: A distinct gender divergence was identified (p < 0.001). The male cohort exhibited a 100.0% normative baseline of Class I straight profiles and Angle Class I molar neutroclusions. Conversely, the female cohort presented significant malocclusion rates: Angle Class II (34.3%) and Class III (15.3%) molar relationships, Class II Division 1 incisor relationships (41.0%), deep bites (18.4%), and cumulative crossbites (17.2%). Conclusion: Schoolchildren in Tarhuna display a striking gender-linked variance in malocclusion prevalence, highlighting the necessity for early school-based screening and timely interceptive orthodontic care during mixed dentition.