Relationship between occlusal findings and orofacial myofunctional status in primary and mixed dentition

Abstract

Deviations from a regular arch form become apparent very early during dentition development and coexist with specific orofacial dysfunctions. They are thus important indicators for the early detection of functional abnormalities, causing deviations from normal dentition development. In children with orofacial dysfunctions the development of a narrow maxillary dental arch should be prevented by myofunctional therapy and by educating the parents. Interceptive orthodontic measures to treat a narrow maxillary arch in primary and early mixed dentition should also focus on eliminating functional disturbing factors, such as orofacial dysfunctions. Interdisciplinary cooperation with specialists in other fields of medicine, e.g. otorhinolaryngology and speech therapy, is essential to achieve this goal.

Prevalence of malocclusion and its relationship with caries among school children aged 11 - 15 years in southern India

“…Crowding is caused by a discrepancy between tooth and jaw sizes or by the influence of functional factors on the development of the dentition. Seemann et al23 found a significant relationship between anterior crowding and the habitual open mouth posture in the early mixed dentition. In the mixed dentition, premature loss of primary teeth and caries in the supporting zones associated with such loss could also cause crowding 21…”

“…In some studies, malocclusion was more prevalent in the mixed dentition than in the primary dentition 23. This could be because the remaining primary teeth may be loose and permanent teeth may be erupting in the mixed dentition period.…”

Relationship between orofacial function, dentofacial morphology, and bite force in young subjects

“…These subjects can keep their lips closed when asked to do so; however, it occurs with mentalis muscle hyperfunction to compensate the alteration in bottom lip function (Cattoni et al , ). In a previous study (Seemann et al , ), habitual open mouth posture was significantly more common in children suffering from tooth crowding.…”

“…According to previous studies, tooth and jaw malpositions may be the consequence of myofunctional disorders, mouth breathing, and sucking habits (Aznar et al , ). Moreover, habitual open mouth posture is the primary factor that disturbs dentition development (Seemann et al , ). However, the evaluation of occlusal morphology using an index (IOTN) failed to establish a relationship between orofacial dysfunction and orthodontic treatment need in the present study.…”

“…Previous studies have evaluated the impact of muscle dysfunctions on the occlusal and craniofacial morphology in young subjects; however, due to the complexity of these functions, their results may vary (Frasson et al , ). A previous study suggested that deviations from a regular dental arch form become apparent very early during dentition development and coexist with specific orofacial dysfunctions, such as habitual open mouth posture, visceral swallowing, articulation disorders, and oral habits, and thus, they are important indicators for the early detection of functional abnormalities (Seemann et al , ).…”