The objective of this study is to assess the occlusal characteristics of Egyptian children 6-12 years old and their need for orthodontic treatment.

The term malocclusion encompasses all deviations of teeth and jaws from normal alignment and relations including discrepancies between teeth and jaw size, malposition of individual teeth ,and mal-relationship of the dental arches in sagittal ,transverse, and vertical dimensions. The etiology of malocclusion may be due to genetic factors , environmental factors or more commonly a combination of both inherited and environmental acting together such as adverse oral habits , anomalies in number ,form ,and developmental position of teeth can cause malocclusion .The recognition of these disorders in dentistry implies the need for planning preventive ,interceptive ,and corrective orthodontic measures to provide adequate treatment .for such planning ,it is essential to carry out epidemiological studies of malocclusion prevalence and to assess the treatment need for such disorders ,so that early recognition of developing malocclusions and the potential for uncomplicated orthodontic treatment procedures can minimize or eliminate future costly treatment .

Inclusion Criteria:

• Egyptian children of both genders born to Egyptian parents .
• Children having an age range from 6-12 years old.
• Cooperative children .

Exclusion Criteria:

• Craniofacial anomalies that affect jaw relation and dentition except for cleft lip and palate.
• History of facial trauma or surgery.
• Systemic disease that affects craniofacial growth
• Previously orthodontically treated child Those whom did not sign the consent

Egyptian children of both genders born to Egyptian parents . Children having an age range from 6-12 years old.