Abstract
Malocclusion is an important dental health problem, especially in children. One factor causing malocclusion is the persistence of primary teeth, which genetic factors can influence. This study provides a new understanding of the role of genetics in causing malocclusion and its impact on preventive planning and orthodontic treatment.This was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional research design. The research subjects were children of SD Pembangunan UNP Padang, Minangkabau tribe, aged 6 to 13 years, a total of 30 people, consisting of a case group and a control group. Saliva was collected using a nonstimulated method (passive salivation). The polymorphism of the RANKL rs9594738 gene was analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Amplification results were analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis to determine genotype. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test.RANKL rs9594738 gene polymorphism in the case group was higher than in the control group. The chi-square test shows an association between RANKL rs9594738 gene polymorphism and dental malocclusion due to the persistence of primary teeth.The data shows that the RANKL rs9594738 gene polymorphism is associated with dental malocclusion due to the persistence of primary teeth. The occurrence of malocclusion due to the persistence of primary teeth is a multigenetic phenomenon. In addition to the RANKL gene, osteoprotegerin, and matrix metalloproteinases, other genes that affect the replacement of primary teeth to permanent teeth are colony-stimulating factor 1, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11, runt-related transcription factor 2, interleukin-1β, cathepsin K, sclerostin, and parathyroid hormone.