Dynamic MRI Evaluation of Tongue Posture and Deglutitive Movements in a Surgically Corrected Open Bite

Abstract

Tongue thrust usually develops in the presence of anterior open bite in order to achieve anterior valve function. In the literature, tongue thrust is described both as the result and the cause of open bite. If it is an adaptation to malocclusion, then tongue posture and deglutitive tongue movements should change after treatment. In this case report, an adult who had skeletal open bite and Class II malocclusion caused by mandibular retrusion was treated surgically. The mandible was advanced in a forward and upward direction with a sagittal split osteotomy. The open bite and Class II malocclusion were corrected and an increase in the posterior airway space (PAS) was observed. Pretreatment and posttreatment dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that tongue tip was retruded behind the incisors and contact of the tongue with the palate increased. It was also determined that the anterior and middle portions descended, whereas the posterior portion was elevated at all stages. Advancement of the mandible, correction of open bite, and an increase in PAS affected not only the tongue posture and deglutitive movements, but also the breathing pattern of the patient.

Comparison between Logopedic and MRI Findings in Evaluating Tongue Function

“…As the tongue resting position and swallowing act were measured on a sample MRI of each subject, we cannot be certain that a representative resting position and tongue function was actually recorded [19]. That might explain the low predictive power of the logopedic findings by Fujiki's analysis in our study [11].…”

“…Da jeweils eine exemplarische MRT-Aufnahme der Zungenruhelage und des Schluckaktes vermessen wurde, ist nicht sicher, ob eine repräsentative Ruheposition und Zungenfunktion erfasst wurde [19]. Dies könnte in unserer Untersuchung eine Erklärung für die geringe Vorhersagekraft der logopädischen Befunde durch die Analyse nach Fujiki et al [11] sein.…”

Treatment effects of a fixed intermaxillary device to correct class II malocclusions in growing patients

“…Heinig and Goz found a 4.7-mm reduction in overjet with the Forsus Flat Spring (3M Unitek) [12]. Karacay et al found a 3.7-mm reduction in net overjet with the Forsus NiTi Flat Spring relative to an untreated control group [11]. Jones et al found a 3.2-mm reduction in overjet with the Forsus FRD for 2.7 years of treatment, and the changes were similar to treatment with intermaxillary elastics with a 2.8-mm reduction in overjet [10].…”

“…The original appliance consisted of a NiTi spring bar with a transparent plastic coating. The spring can be attached, via its bent ends, to bands and archwires of the fixed orthodontic appliance [11]. The FRD is a more refined appliance to eliminate the limited movement of the other class II correctors and also the fatigue factor.…”

Características fonoarticulatórias e respiratórias de indivíduos portadores de deformidades dentofaciais

“…As necessidades respiratórias afetam a posição da mandíbula e postura da língua e esta condição altera o equilíbrio das pressões da mandíbula e dos dentes, afetando a morfologia craniana e a posição dos dentes (KARACAY et al, 2006 Em relação à velocidade da DDC oral o grupo experimental produziu menor número de emissões por segundo:…”