Assessment of Growth Changes in the Width of Dental Arches Caused by Removable Appliances over a Period of 10 Months in Children with Malocclusion.

Justyna Pałka,Magdalena Zawadka,Aleksandra Byś,Piotr Gawda,Joanna Gawda

doi:10.3390/ijerph19063442

Justyna Pałka, Magdalena Zawadka + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063442

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Abstract

(1) Background: A large number of patients of orthodontic clinics are diagnosed with improper jaw relationships. Intraoral scanners have become an important part of orthodontic practice and provide an opportunity to measure the changes in the width of dental arches. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of removable appliances used over a 10-month period on growth changes in children with narrowed jaw dimensions. (2) Methods: Twenty four patients were included in the study (a study group—patients, treated with removable appliances in the upper dental arch for a minimum of 10 months; a control group—patients with no craniofacial abnormalities and who did not require orthodontic treatment). A panoramic radiograph and digital intraoral scan were taken, followed by palatal width measurements in Ortho-CAD before treatment, and after a period of 10 months of treatment with removable appliances. (3) Results: After a period of 10 months of the treatment, the study group had a statistically significantly greater mean change in the anterior width of the upper dental arch than the control group. (4) Conclusions: The use of removable appliances in children with narrowed maxillary transverse dimension contributes to offsetting growth changes in comparison to children with normal occlusion.

Highlights

Received: 20 January 2022According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion is defined as a dentofacial anomaly, referring to improper occlusion and to dysfunctional craniofacial relations which may affect function, esthetics, and general well-being
The use of removable appliances in children with maxillary transverse deficiency contributes to offsetting the effects of growth changes
Undertaking orthodontic treatment at the stage of developmental age is crucial in the treatment of malocclusion due to the high plasticity of bone structures and their adaptive ability

Summary

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion is defined as a dentofacial anomaly, referring to improper occlusion and to dysfunctional craniofacial relations which may affect function, esthetics, and general well-being. It is one of the most frequent dental problems that involve from 20 to 100 percent of the population [1]. The etiology of malocclusion is multivariate and may be dependent on inherited or environmental factors [1]. When a malocclusion remains untreated, it may lead to dysfunctions in muscle function and bone changes. Dysfunctions of the muscles of the lips and tongue significantly contribute to worsening the malocclusion [2]

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