Nursezen KAVASOĞLU, Nazlı GÖNDER ERDEDE
Anatolian Current Medical Journal - 2026;8(2):277-282
Aims: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate the associations between early-life factors and the development of orthodontic malocclusions in a clinical population predominantly consisting of children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 407 patients seeking orthodontic consultation were included. Data regarding birth mode, breastfeeding duration, bottle and pacifier use, sibling number, birth order, and family orthodontic history were collected using a standardized questionnaire. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, and malocclusion types were determined according to Angle classification. Chi-square and one-way ANOV A tests were used for statistical analyses with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Significant associations were found between malocclusion type and gender (p<0.001), birth mode (p=0.013), breastfeeding duration (p=0.001), bottle use (p=0.002), pacifier use (p = 0.016), birth order (p=0.032), and family history of orthodontic treatment (p=0.010). However, gestational age at birth (p=0.074), the patient's previous orthodontic treatment history (p=0.062), and age (p>0.05) did not show significant associations. Conclusion: These findings indicate significant associations between breastfeeding, functional oral behaviors, and shared familial characteristics and malocclusion patterns, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of its etiology. However, due to the cross-sectional design of the study, causal inferences cannot be established.
