Effects of rapid maxillary expansion on upper airway parameters in OSA children with maxillary restriction: A CBCT study.

BACKGROUND: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) has been proposed as an effective treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and maxillary restriction in children. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RME appliances on the nasomaxillary complex dimensions in children with OSA and maxillary constriction. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study included 34 children aged 8-12 years with maxillary restriction and OSA confirmed by polysomnography who had completed RME therapy. The nasomaxillary complex is segmented into the nasal cavity, maxillary sinuses, and nasopharynx. The effect of RME on nasomaxillary complex dimensions was assessed pre and posttreatment using cone-beam computed tomography, analysis, while a second standard overnight polysomnography (PSG) was performed to assess changes in respiratory parameters. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed, including inferior maxillary dislocation (S-S1 distance and N-ANS), increased anterior and posterior facial height, and a 5.43 events/h reduction in Apnea-Hypopnea Index (p < .001). The nasal cavity volume increased by 2439 (±584) mm3 (p < .001), nasopharynx size increased by 883 (±479) mm3 (p = .008), mid cross-sectional area increased by 31.74 (±14.50) mm2 (p < .001), and the distance between the right and left maxillary sinuses increased by 8.37 (±3.67) mm (p < .001) all exhibited positive changes, with some insignificant variations in volume change (p = .254). CONCLUSION: RME treatment was found to be effective in improving nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal dimensions, leading to improved respiratory parameters in children with OSA and maxillary constriction. While these results are promising, considerations about the potential long-term benefits of RME on future growth are important. The study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of RME as a treatment option for this pediatric population.

Effects of twin-block appliance on upper airway parameters in OSA children with class II malocclusion and mandibular retrognathia: a CBCT study.

Twin-block appliance had been advocated as a potential treatment option in paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) due to their favourable effect in enhancing upper airway parameters and improving OSA symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of twin-block appliance therapy on upper airway parameters/dimensions and the apnoea-hypopnea indexes (AHIs) in OSA children with class II mandibular retrognathic skeletal malocclusion using cone-beam computed tomography. This prospective longitudinal study comprised 34 polysomnography-proven OSA growing children with class II mandibular retrognathic skeletal malocclusion between the ages of 8 and 12 years who had completed myofunctional twin-block therapy and matched corresponding controls. The upper airway was segmented into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, and the effect of twin-bock treatment on upper airway parameters/dimensions was assessed pre- and posttreatment using CBCT analysis, while a second standard overnight PSG was performed to determine changes in the AHI. At the nasopharynx level, minimal (nonsignificant) increases in all variables were observed within the twin-block group and between the groups (P > 0.05). At the level of the oropharynx, all variables increased significantly in the treatment group and between groups (P < 0.001), but these increases were nonsignificant in the control group. At the level of the hypopharynx, only the minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) increased significantly in the treatment group (P = 0.003). The change in MCA was also significant between the groups (P = 0.041). In addition, the upper airway length increased significantly in the twin-block group (P = 0.0154), and the AHI decreased by 74.8% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Correction of class II mandibular retrognathic skeletal malocclusion with twin-block appliance resulted in a significant increase in upper airway volume, MCA, anteroposterior and lateral distances of the MCA at the level of the oropharynx, MCA at the level of the hypopharynx and upper airway length, and a significant decrease in AHI, but it had no effect on nasopharynx parameters. WHAT IS KNOWN: • CBCT imaging has been shown to be an effective and precise diagnostic tool for analyzing the upper airways and craniofacial structures. • Twin block appliance may be an effective treatment modality in children with OSA. WHAT IS NEW: • Minimal cross-sectional area of upper ways may be the most relevant potential parameter when explaining how the upper airway anatomy plays role of in the pathogenesis of pediatric OSA. • Twin block appliance induced favorable changes in upper airway morphology (oropharynx area mainly) and respiratory parameters in OSA children with class II malocclusion.

Dental Arch Relationships of Saudi Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

AIM: To determine dental arch relationships of Saudi children born with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that comprised dental study models of 74 UCLP Saudi children aged 8-10 years who were recruited from 14 referral cleft centers. All participants had their cleft lip and palate repaired with no history of alveolar bone graft or any orthodontic treatment. Dental arch relationships of UCLP patients were assessed using the Great Ormond Street, London, and Oslo (GOSLON) Yardstick-a clinical tool that categorizes dental relationships of UCLP children into five discrete grades from I to V. The reliability of the rating was assessed with weighted kappa (κ) statistics. RESULTS: Three children (4.1%) had excellent surgical outcomes (grade I), 18 children (24.3%) filled into grade II (good outcome), 22 subjects (29.7%) had grade III (fair outcome), 27 children (36.5%) had grade IV (poor outcome), and 4 subjects (5.4%) were ranked as having very poor outcomes (grade V). The mean GOSLON score was 3.39. Intrarater and interrater agreements were high indicating good reproducibility. CONCLUSION: Based on the dental arch relationships, the treatment outcome of UCLP Saudi children was unsatisfactory, with a mean GOSLON score of 3.39. Delayed palate repair and the use of presurgical orthopedics may be considered in the future for cleft deformity management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To address the effect of particular cleft surgical protocol on dental arch relationships of UCLP patients. How to cite this article: Alforaidi S, Zreaqat M, Hassan R. Dental Arch Relationships of Saudi Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):987-990.

Three-dimensional analysis of upper airways in Class II malocclusion children with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Morphometric evaluation of upper airways helps in identifying potential craniofacial anatomy that may predispose to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study evaluated upper airway parameters three-dimensionally in children with OSA, with Class II malocclusion and a retrognathic mandible, to identify cutoff values for cone-beam computed tomography measurements that may predict the presence and severity of pediatric OSA. METHODS: The study comprised 47 growing children with OSA with Class II malocclusion and 47 low-risk OSA-matched controls. Upper airway was segmented into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx using cone-beam computed tomography and MIMICS16.0 software. Parameters included volume, minimum cross-sectional area (CSAmin), anterioposterior and lateral distances of CSAmin, and upper airway length. RESULTS: The volume, cross-sectional area (CSAmin), and anteroposterior and lateral distances of CSAmin were significantly decreased at the level of the oropharynx in patients with OSA. At the level of the hypopharynx, CSAmin was significantly narrower and upper airway length was significantly increased in patients with OSA. OSA predictive cutoff values were proposed as 41.36 mm2 CSAmin at the level of oropharynx, 52.45 mm2 CSAmin at the level of hypopharynx, and 55.47 mm upper airway length. Only CSAmin at the level of the oropharynx had an independent association with OSA severity (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were found in the upper airway parameters of children with OSA compared with corresponding controls. CSAmin may represent part of the issues that play a role in the pathogenesis of OSA and may serve as a predictive of disease severity.

Tonsil Size and Mallampati Score as Clinical Predictive Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Children.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical utility of body mass index (BMI), tonsil size, and Mallampati scoring in predicting both the presence of and severity of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study comprised 78 growing children in the age range of 11-14 years with polysomnography (PSG)-proven OSA and 86 non-OSA corresponding controls. BMI, tonsil size (Friedman grading scale), and Mallampati score were determined for both groups, and related differences were assessed with a t-test, while their independent association with OSA severity was tested with a regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: Male gender, BMI, tonsil size, and Mallampati score were significantly higher in the OSA group (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was recorded between the Mallampati score and OSA severity (p < 0.01), but not with BMI or tonsil size (p > 0.05). For every 1-point increase in the Mallampati scale, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) increased by more than five events per hour in the bivariate analysis and by more than three events per hour in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Male gender, increased BMI, high tonsil, and Mallampati scores were clinical indicators of the presence of OSA. However, only Mallampati scale had a significant association with OSA severity. Clinical diagnostic indicators should be established and encouraged especially in community-based studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical diagnostic indicators are very useful in examining and screening children who are at risk of developing OSA as PSG is expensive and unsuitable for universal use in the pediatric population.

Prevalence of Sleep-disordered Breathing and its Association with Obesity among Saudi Schoolchildren.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies of sleep disturbances are essential to promote awareness among families and educational officials and deliver appropriate treatment at a very early timing. The aim of this population-based study was to determine the frequency of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms and its association with obesity among schoolchildren in West Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised 2,000 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. Sleep-disordered breathing symptoms were assessed with Arabic version of Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Overweight/obesity was evaluated using body mass index (BMI) and their association with SDB was tested using a regression analysis model. RESULTS: Overall, 23% of children were at high risk of SDB. Prevalence of habitual snoring was 15.9% and sleep apnea 4%. Boys were at higher risk of SDB than girls (p = 0.026), while age had no effect (p = 0.254). High-risk SDB had a strong association with sleep symptoms compared to low-risk SDB (p < 0.05). Sleep-disordered breathing increased significantly in overweight and obese children (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Around 23% Saudi schoolchildren are at risk of SDB. Related symptoms were strongly associated with high risk of SDB. Overweight and obesity had a strong and progressive association with SDB. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results will help in identifying children at high risk of developing SDB and plan for early intervention to avoid the progression of SDB later in life.

A CAD/CAM Zirconium Bar as a Bonded Mandibular Fixed Retainer: A Novel Approach with Two-Year Follow-Up.

Stainless steel alloys containing 8% to 12% nickel and 17% to 22% chromium are generally used in orthodontic appliances. A major concern has been the performance of alloys in the environment in which they are intended to function in the oral cavity. Biodegradation and metal release increase the risk of hypersensitivity and cytotoxicity. This case report describes for the first time a CAD/CAM zirconium bar as a bonded mandibular fixed retainer with 2-year follow-up in a patient who is subjected to long-term treatment with fixed orthodontic appliance and suspected to have metal hypersensitivity as shown by the considerable increase of nickel and chromium concentrations in a sample of patient's unstimulated saliva. The CAD/CAM design included a 1.8 mm thickness bar on the lingual surface of lower teeth from canine to canine with occlusal rests on mesial side of first premolars. For better retention, a thin layer of feldspathic ceramic was added to the inner surface of the bar and cemented with two dual-cured cement types. The patient's complaint subsided 6 weeks after cementation. Clinical evaluation appeared to give good functional value where the marginal fit of digitized CAD/CAM design and glazed surface offered an enhanced approach of fixed retention.

Orthodontic treatment need and demand among 12- and 16 year-old school children in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Assessment of orthodontic treatment need and demand helps in planning orthodontic services and estimating the required resources and man power. The aim of this study was to assess the orthodontic treatment need and demand and to assess the association between the orthodontic treatment demand and factors such as ITON, gender, and age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment need was assessed using the DHC and AC of IOTN among 12- and 16-year-old Malay school children. The treatment demand was also assessed through a modified health questionnaire and its association with IOTN, age, and gender. A total number of 837 Malay school children were randomly recruited (389 males and 448 females divided into two age groups; 12-year olds; and 16-year olds). RESULTS: Findings showed that 51.4% of 12-year-old school children had definite need for treatment (DHC>4) while 22% of them desired treatment. Among 16-year-old subjects, 56.4% showed definite need for treatment while 47.2% desired treatment. The 16-year-old group was more interested in orthodontic treatment than the 12-year-old group (P<0.001). Only age was associated with treatment demand while gender had no effect (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high level of need for treatment among Malay school children which was not associated with orthodontic demand. Age was associated with orthodontic demand.

Dentoalveolar relationships of Malay children with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the treatment outcome based on dentoalveolar relationships among Malay children born with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The Department of Orthodontics at the School of Dental Science and the Reconstructive Sciences Unit, School of Medical Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Dental study models of 82 UCLP Malay children aged 8 to 10 years were evaluated. All subjects had their cleft lip and palate repaired, but no alveolar bone graft or any orthodontic treatment was performed. OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome of dental arch relationships was assessed using the Goslon Yardstick Index: a dental measure with outcomes ranked on a scale ranging from 1 to 5. Agreement of rating was assessed with weighted kappa statistics; both intraexaminer and interexaminer agreements were high, indicating good reproducibility. RESULTS: A total of 2.4% of the sample was in grade 1, 24.4% in grade 2, 35.4% in grade 3, 31.7% in grade 4, and 6.1% in grade 5. The mean Goslon index score was 3.15. CONCLUSION: Dentoalveolar relationship outcomes of UCLP Malay children are intermediate according to the Goslon Yardstick. Interpretation of results should consider the ethnic differences in the craniofacial complex.