The percentage of the population exhibiting ideal occlusion is typically low, around 3-5%, because perfect alignment of teeth and optimal skeletal relationships are rare in natural populations. Most individuals present with some degree of malocclusion due to genetic, developmental, and environmental factors affecting dental and skeletal growth. Understanding that ideal occlusion is uncommon is crucial for clinicians when diagnosing and planning orthodontic treatments. Emphasis on this low prevalence helps set realistic treatment expectations and goals.

Reference: Wheeler’s Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion, 10th Edition.