Analysis of the stomatognathic system of children according orthodontic treatment needs.

Abstract

The present study evaluated electromyographic activity (EMG), masticatory performance, and tongue strength in children without and with orthodontic treatment needs. A total of 90children were screened and divided into the following groups: GroupI (no treatment needed; mean age: 8.00± 0.43years; n= 26), GroupII (few malocclusions, treatment needed; mean age: 8.89± 0.43years; n= 28), and GroupIII (slight-to-borderline treatment needed; mean age: 8.44± 0.22years; n= 36). Orthodontic treatment need was classified on the basis of IOTN-DHC (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need - Dental Health Component). The electromyographic Trigno EMG Systems was used for muscle analysis and the Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument (IOPI) was used to measure tongue strength. Data were analyzed using normality tests and one-way analysis of variance with aBonferroni post hoc test (p≤ 0.05). EMG in almost all mandibular movements was higher in GroupIII with statistically significant differences compared to position at rest: right masseter (p= 0.03); protrusion: left temporal (p= 0.02); saliva swallowing: left temporal (p= 0.05) and water swallowing: orbicularis oris mouth, right upper segment (p= 0.05). Lower masticatory performance was found in GroupIII, but the difference compared to GroupI andII was not significant. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of tongue strength. Children with borderline orthodontic treatment needs show functional disorders of the stomatognathic system.