Prevalence of Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment Needs in African Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Malocclusion represents a significant public health concern globally, affecting aesthetic appearance, oral function, and psychological well-being of adolescents. However, epidemiological data on malocclusion prevalence and orthodontic treatment needs in African adolescent populations remain fragmented and underrepresented in global oral health literature. This systematic review synthesizes available evidence on the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among African adolescents aged 10-19 years. A comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2024. The review identified substantial variations in malocclusion prevalence across African regions, ranging from 34.8% to 89.3%, with Angle Class I malocclusion being the most common presentation. Orthodontic treatment needs, assessed through various indices including the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), revealed that between 20% and 65% of African adolescents require some form of orthodontic intervention. Regional disparities, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to orthodontic services emerge as critical determinants influencing treatment uptake. This review highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate orthodontic care models, increased workforce capacity, and policy interventions to address the unmet orthodontic needs in African adolescent populations.