Brief Report: Estimating the Dental Age of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Determining a patient's dental age is essential from the dental standpoint but can also have connotations of a forensic, anthropological and medicolegal nature. In this study, we assessed the correspondence between dental age and chronological age in a group of 50 children with autism spectrum disorders, with a chronological age range of 3-17 years. The dental age was calculated using panoramic radiography images, applying linear regression models derived from the classical indices by Nolla and Demirjian. In 2 of every 3 boys, the dental age was ahead of the chronological age, and in almost 1 of every 3 cases, the difference was ≥ 12 months. In the girls, conversely, we found no significant differences between dental age and chronological age.

Benefits of Maxillary Expansion for a Patient With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2.

This case report involves a 10-yr-old boy diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 who underwent nighttime mechanical ventilation with bilevel positive airway pressure. The oral examination revealed restricted mouth opening, lip interposition, dental crowding, and maxillary compression. After maxillary expansion, the upper airway volume increased 18.6%; 13 episodes of airway infections (20 days of hospitalization) were recorded in the 2 yrs before the maxillary expansion and only 4 episodes (no hospital admissions) in the 2 subsequent years. In conclusion, maxillary expansion in children with systemic disease that involves respiratory impairment may, in some cases, provide functional and clinical improvements, increase upper airway airflows, and possibly decrease the number of respiratory infections.

Fixed multibracket dental therapy has challenges but can be successfully performed in young persons with Down syndrome.

Purpose The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility of orthodontic treatment with fixed multibracket dental appliances (FMAs) in patients with Down syndrome (DS). Methods The study sample was formed of 25 patients with DS who underwent orthodontic treatment with FMAs. Dental and skeletal characteristics, aspects of FMA treatment, retainer use and recurrences were analyzed. Results were compared with a control group of healthy, age-, sex- and PAR index-matched individuals. Results All the controls underwent a single desensitization session, whereas 2-3 sessions were necessary in 11 patients with DS (p < 0.001). All the controls underwent bimaxillary treatment, compared with 11 patients with DS (p < 0.001). Only 8 patients with DS wore intermaxillary elastics, compared with 19 controls (p = 0.004). Complications were more common in patients with DS than in controls (p = 0.003), due particularly to traumatic ulcers development. There were more failures during the maintenance phase in patients with DS than in controls (p = 0.001). The mean duration of treatment was 37 months in patients with DS and 23 months in controls. More cemented retainers were used in the controls than in patients with DS (p = 0.050). Conclusions It is possible to perform orthodontic treatment with FMAs in patients with DS, although treatment may take longer than usual and the frequency of complications is higher than in controls. Implications for Rehabilitation Certain dental characteristics of Down syndrome (DS) make these children firm candidates for orthodontic intervention. There is little literature available on orthodontic treatment in patients with DS, particularly with regard to the use of fixed appliances. This case-control study shows that it is possible to perform orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in adequately selected patients with DS. However, in patients with DS orthodontic treatment may take longer than usual and the frequency of complications is higher than in the general population.

Dimensions of central incisors, canines, and first molars in subjects with Down syndrome measured on cone-beam computed tomographs.

INTRODUCTION: The literature on tooth dimensions in subjects with Down syndrome (DS) is scarce. To our knowledge, no studies have yet been published in which the morphometry of the teeth in DS subjects has been determined using computed tomography. METHODS: The study group consisted of 40 subjects with DS, aged 10 to 40 years. An age- and sex-matched control group was selected. Cone-beam computed tomography images were retrieved from the archive of the Santiago de Compostela University in Spain. The maxillary central incisors, canines, and first molars were evaluated. The following variables were analyzed: overall tooth length, crown height, root length, mesiodistal diameter, vestibular-palatine diameter, crown-to-root ratio, and cervical circumference. RESULTS: The teeth of subjects with DS were smaller than those of the controls, although the crown-to-root ratio was maintained. No clear sexual dimorphism was detected, but the root lengths of the incisors were greater in male subjects. Crown height, mesiodistal diameter, and crown-to-root ratio showed progressive reductions with age. There appeared to be a degree of "fluctuating dental asymmetry" with respect to vestibular-palatine diameter and cervical circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm microdontia of the permanent teeth and progressive reductions in tooth sizes with age in persons with DS. These variations might be relevant to orthodontic treatment planning.

Orthodontic treatment for disabled children: a survey of parents' attitudes and overall satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with disability require orthodontic treatment (OT) to achieve adequate oral function and aesthetic appearance. The cooperation of disabled patients and of their parents is central to the success of OT, as treatment can involve ethical dilemmas. The aim of this study was to analyze the motivation, expectations and overall satisfaction with OT among parents of patients with disabilities. METHODS: The parents of 60 disabled Spanish children with physical, mental and/or sensory impairment undergoing OT were surveyed on attitudes to OT and level of satisfaction with the outcomes. The survey consisted of 23 questions in 4 sections: attitude and adaptation, benefits, adverse effects, and level of satisfaction after completion of OT. A control group formed of the parents of 60 healthy children undergoing OT at the same institution were also surveyed. RESULTS: Parents of disabled children undergoing OT showed a high level of motivation and they are willing to collaborate in oral hygiene procedures. Adaptation to the removable appliances was poorer in disabled children but adaptation to fixed appliances was excellent. OT can provide a marked improvement in quality of life, social relationships and oral functionality in disabled children. CONCLUSIONS: Among parents of disabled children undergoing OT, the perceived level of overall satisfaction was very high and expectations were often exceeded.

A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of oral manifestations associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: a long-term case report.

BACKGROUND: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a congenital disorder that involves a somatic overgrowth during the patient's first years of life. Exomphalos, macroglossia and gigantism are the main clinical symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors describe a 15-year follow-up in a patient with BWS. They focus on a multidisciplinary approach to treating the patient's oral manifestations from age 9 months. The approach included an initial physiotherapy treatment, a partial glossectomy, a first phase of orthopedic treatment with a tongue crib and chin cap, and a second phase of orthodontic treatment with an edgewise appliance. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: To obtain long-term positive and stable results, an appropriate treatment plan for patients with BWS and dentoskeletal alterations, including macroglossia, requires surgical tongue reduction when the patient is young, combined with physiotherapeutic phases and orthopedic and orthodontic treatment.

Maxillary expansion therapy in children with Down syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate orthodontic treatment with maxillary expanders (MEs) in a group of Down syndrome (DS) children while also analyzing the rate of activation of the appliance, the complications during the expansion phase, and the expansion outcomes. METHODS: Thirty-two DS children underwent ME treatment. Sixty-four controls matched for age, sex, and type of ME were selected. The variables analyzed were previous dental treatment, orthodontic diagnosis, and ME treatment. RESULTS: Slow activation of the ME was used in 28% of the DS patients vs 9% of controls (P > .03). Complications during expansion occurred in 10 DS patients (31%) but in none of the controls (P < .001). The most common complication was the appearance of oral ulcers. At the end of the expansion, the results were considered to be clinically successful in 21 DS patients (66%) and in 50 controls (78%). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary expansion can be undertaken in DS children and is successful in a high proportion of cases if correct case selection has been performed. These patients, however, may require a slow activation of the appliance during the expansion phase and are more susceptible to the appearance of oral ulceration, which can affect the course of treatment.