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Virtual study models are clinically acceptable compared with plaster study models with regard to intrarater reliability and validity of selected linear measurements.

Certain mutations in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes produce clinical symptoms of both osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) that include abnormal craniofacial growth, dental malocclusion, and dentinogenesis imperfecta. A mouse model (Col1a1(Jrt)/+) was recently developed that had a skeletal phenotype and other features consistent with moderate-to-severe OI and also with EDS. The craniofacial phenotype of 4- and 20-wk-old Col1a1(Jrt)/+ mice and wild-type littermates was assessed by micro-computed tomography (µCT) and morphometry. Teeth and the periodontal ligament compartment were analyzed by µCT, light microscopy/histomorphometry, and electron microscopy. Over time, at 20 wk, Col1a1(Jrt)/+ mice developed smaller heads, a shortened anterior cranial base, class III occlusion, and a mandibular side shift with shorter morphology in the masticatory region (maxilla and mandible). Col1a1(Jrt)/+ mice also had changes in the periodontal compartment and abnormalities in the dentin matrix and mineralization. These findings validate Col1a1(Jrt)/+ mice as a model for OI and EDS in humans.

ObjectivesThe authors performed a systematic review to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of the nasoalveolar molding appliance on nonsyndromic unilateral clefts of the lip and/or palate prior to primary lip repair.Material and MethodsA literature search was performed using three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) and three journals (“Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal”, “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal” and “American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedic”) from January 1980 to April 2017. Data extraction was performed with tables treating different subjects: surgical, aesthetical, functional, socio-economical effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliances and the evolution of NAM appliances, especially three-dimensional technology.ResultsOf the 145 articles retrieved in the literature surveys, 28 were qualified for the final analysis and 20 studies were excluded because of their small sample size (less than 10 patients) and/or too long follow-up (exceeded 18 months). Four randomized controlled trials were available. Although literature allowed discussing the short-term benefits of NAM appliance and the three-dimensional technology, scientific evidence is lacking.ConclusionsBased on the results, nasoalveolar molding appliances have positive surgical, aesthetical, functional and socio-economical effects on unilateral clefts of the lip and/or palate treatment before the primary repair surgeries. Three-dimensional technology results in a more efficient and predictable nasoalveolar molding appliance treatment. However, nasoalveolar molding appliance effect in a short term remains unclear with the available literature. Further studies that integrate three-dimensional technology in a large scale are still needed.

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