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Background: Malocclusion is a common dental condition with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial impacts. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, type, and severity of malocclusion among adolescents in Kathmandu Valley using Angle’s classification and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malocclusion among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years in Kathmandu Valley. Furthermore, it aimed to classify the types of malocclusion according to Angle’s classification and to assess the severity and orthodontic treatment need using the Dental Aesthetic Index. Additionally, the study sought to analyze the associations between gender and both the type and severity of malocclusion, and to compare the findings across different age groups within the adolescent cohort.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,000 adolescents (500 boys, 500 girls) aged 13 to 15 years. Clinical examinations were performed using standard orthodontic assessment criteria. Chi-square tests determined associations between gender and malocclusion type/severity, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Class I malocclusion was most common (50.0%), followed by Class II (29.9%) and Class III (20.1%). Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) severity showed 27.5% normal/minor, 39.9% definite, 19.8% severe, and 12.8% very severe malocclusion. Gender differences were statistically significant for both classification (p<0.001) and severity (p<0.001) of malocclusion.

Conclusion: The high prevalence and significant gender differences emphasize the need for early orthodontic screening among Nepalese adolescents

Adolescent; malocclusion; Nepal; orthodontics; severity of malocclusion.