Orofacial characteristics of adolescents with diagnosed spinal disorders

Abstract

The objective of the current epidemiological study is to show the correlation of various postural abnormalities and spinal deformities and the clinically identifiable dentofacial anomalies by orthodontic examination. Twenty-three children with Scheuermann's disease [mean age: 14 years 8 months; standard deviation (SD): 1 year 8 months] and 28 with scoliosis (mean age: 14 years 7 months; SD: 2 years 3 months) participated in the study. Standardized orthodontic screening protocols were used to map the occlusal relations in the sagittal, vertical, and horizontal dimensions; the space relations of the maxillary and mandibular frontal segment; the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) status; and the facial asymmetries. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the values of the examined groups of patients for the following measurements: incisal overjet and overbite, upper and lower midline deviation, mandibular frontal spacing, TMJ pathological symptoms and functional characteristics, and frequency of facial asymmetries. A large percentage of patients with pre-pubertal developments of spinal deformities have various dentofacial anomalies. The majority of these anomalies are present in patients with Scheuermann's disease. Early treatment of the malocclusions closely correlated to postural disorders should minimize the progression of the dentofacial anomalies, making necessary performing orthodontic screening of these patients as early as possible.

Evaluation of a relationship between malocclusion and idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents

“…In addition, malocclusions are found also in other spine deformations. Végh et al 27 analyzed dentofacial anomalies in children diagnosed with scoliosis and Scheuermann’s disease ( SD ). In both groups there was a significantly higher incidence of unilateral distal occlusion than bilateral distal occlusions (30.4% in SD, 22.4% in scoliosis versus 21.7% and 10.7%, respectively).…”

Postural defects and speech disorders

“…Higher rates of horizontal overbite (distal occlusion) and deep bite were reported in this group of patients. Early treatment of malocclusions correlated with postural defect therapy should minimise the progression of malocclusions (7) . There is also a correlation between mandibular position and cervical vertebrae morphology.…”

“…W tej grupie badanych odnotowano częstsze występowanie zwiększonego nagryzu poziomego (tyłozgryzu) oraz zgryzu głębokiego. Wczesne leczenie wad zgryzu skorelowane z leczeniem zaburzeń postawy powinno zminimalizować postęp nieprawidłowości zgryzu (7) . Istnieje również korelacja między położeniem żuchwy i morfologią kręgów szyjnych.…”

Juvenile/Adolescent Idiopatic Scoliosis and Rapid Palatal Expansion. A Pilot Study

“…Nevertheless, based on the results of the review, the conclusion is that at the current state of knowledge no evidence of causal relationship between occlusal alterations and spinal deformity in both directions could be supported, as well as a therapeutic effect. It seems that this important topic for specific populations, especially in adulthood when chronic back pain arises, is still difficult to investigate [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”