Orofacial Findings in Conjunction with Infantile Cerebral Paralysis in Adults of Two Different Age Groups – a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

We observed an overall correlation between the frequency of malocclusions and severity of mental retardation. The amount of orthodontic treatment was significantly higher in the younger group (32.3%) than the older group (0%). In diagnostic terms, orthodontic treatment should follow the general guidelines, namely, the recommendation of removable devices as treatment appliances, and multidisciplinarily speaking, modified sequences of myofunctional therapy in consideration of the individual compliance prognosis and parental cooperation. In the multidisciplinary coordination of rehabilitation under general anesthesia, specific orthodontic measures may be undertaken (such as taking impressions, limited fixed appliance insertions, controlled extractions). An early treatment start in combination with the appropriate orthodontic device is desirable because of the improved, trainable reflex pattern. The dental therapy results are generally positive due to the fact that our patients met a tight dental recall schedule.

Resting position of the head and malocclusion in a group of patients with cerebral palsy

“…These discrepancies are in strong contrast to the increased overjet described by all authors among patients with CP versus the controls (8,10,13,14,24). In our study, increased overjet was seen in 45.5% of the cases, which is high compared with the normal population, where the reported prevalence is 8.5% (22).…”

“…In coincidence with some studies (24), we found molar class II to account for 40% of the sample, though other authors have reported prevalences as diverse as 75.85% and 26.4% (8,10). These discrepancies are in strong contrast to the increased overjet described by all authors among patients with CP versus the controls (8,10,13,14,24).…”

“…This can be explained by a change in the direction of growth, which occurs along the posterior mandibular axis when the head is hyperextended. Furthermore, it can be assumed that tongue interpositioning is not a cause of open bite, but a consequence of the latter (10,16,24). …”

Orthodontic treatment of an adolescent with cerebral palsy – A case report

“…In the presented case a caries‐free dentition was found without the need for conservative therapy. The dental status corresponds with information from other case reports and study data, which also described mostly a caries‐free dentition or lower DMFT‐values in CP patients compared to other types of disabilities or to the normal population 18,22,23 . An orthodontic treatment was primarily necessary which had to be supported by a structured dental prophylaxis and behavioral concept.…”

“…Several studies recorded that patients with CP have a high prevalence of dental problems and malocclusions such as class II and therefore require orthodontic treatment 8,10,15–18 . Partly this may be a consequence of the primary physical impairment of patients with CP due to hyper‐ or hypofunction of muscle tone (sleep, spasticity) depending on the severity 19,20 .…”