Evaluation of orofacial dysfunction, masticatory performance, occlusion and craniofacial morphology in children and adolescents

Author(s)

Maria Carolina Salomé Marquezin

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba
• Defense date: 2012-01-31

Examining board members

Paula Midori Castelo; Rivea Inês Ferreira Santos; Marinês Nobre dos Santos

• Advisor: Paula Midori Castelo; Maria Beatriz Duarte Gavião

Abstract

Knowledge of the functional, environmental and genetic influences on the craniofacial growth and development is comprehensive and difficult to quantify, but very important to prevent changes that may affect the proper development of the jaws and related structures. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between orofacial dysfunction, occlusal and craniofacial morphology, bite force (BF) and masticatory performance (MP) in children and adolescents. Three studies were conducted and are presented below in the form of chapters. The first and second study aimed to evaluate the relationship among orofacial dysfunction, MP, occlusal and craniofacial morphology, BF and sleep bruxism. The sample included 316 children and adolescents of both genders, divided into four groups: subjects with early (n=20), intermediate (n=73), late mixed (n=89) and permanent (n=134). MP was assessed by sieving technique and verifying the individual's ability to comminute an artificial test food in order to determine median particle size (X50) and distribution of particles in the different sieves (?b?). The orofacial dysfunction and need for orthodontic treatment were evaluated using the instrument The Nordic Orofacial Test-Screnning (NOT-S) and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), respectively. Maximum BF was measured using a digital gantodinamometer and craniofacial morphology was assessed by means of lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric analysis. The signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism were recorded taking into account the presence of shiny and polish facets on incisors and/or first permanent molar and sibling/parental report of grinding sounds. The results were submitted to descriptive statistics, normality and correlation tests, analysis of variance and multiple linear regression to determine which variables significantly contributed to X50 and scores on NOT-S variation. The variance of b and X50 were statistically significant between groups, whereas scores of NOT-S showed no difference among the stages of dentition. Age, body mass index, BF and the presence of bruxism was significantly correlated with better MP. The presence of closed lip posture and increased overbite measurements were related to lower total scores on NOT-S, whereas age and the presence of bruxism exacerbated orofacial dysfunction scores. In addition, a significant relation between craniofacial morphology and orofacial dysfunction was not found. It was concluded that body mass index, BF and the presence of sleep bruxism contributed to a better PM, while the increase in the scores of orofacial dysfunction was related to a worse PM. In addition, increased overbite measurement and closed lip posture related to lower scores of orofacial dysfunction in young individuals. The third chapter discusses the study of facial dimorphism and its relation with craniofacial and dental arches dimensions and ultrasonographic thickness of the masseter muscle in children in the mixed dentition. The study included 32 children (14?/18?) with normal occlusion and craniofacial dimensions were assessed by frontal radiographs. The results were submitted to descriptive statistics, normality test, "t" test and multiple linear regression to determine the difference between genders and which variables significantly contributed to the variation in facial width. Although the comparison of facial width between genders have shown significant differences, when the others studied variables were tested, it was observed that body mass index, masseter thickness, lower intermolar distance, upper intercanines distance and maxillary intermolar width were the variables that significantly related to facial width, while gender did not reach significant level. It was concluded that the functional and morphological variables of the stomatognathic system showed a strong relation with face width (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/01313-4 - Relationship between occlusion, craniofacial morphology, masticatory performance and orofacial dysfunction in children and adolescents.
• Grantee: Maria Carolina Salomé Marquezin
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master