Variation in Dentofacial Morphology and Occlusion in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Subjects: a Case-Control Study

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can severely disturb facial growth and affect occlusal development. In this case–control study, facial, functional, and occlusal characteristics of 100 JIA patients (35 males and 65 females; age range: 1.7–19.4 years) comprising all subtypes classified according to the revised classification criteria of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) were studied. They were compared with a mixed orthodontic control group (n = 32; 12 males and 20 females) and with a Class II division 1 malocclusion group (n = 19; eight males and 11 females). The JIA patients and controls were evaluated using clinical assessment, dental pantomograms, lateral cephalograms (LCGs), and dental casts. Compared with the age- and gender-matched mixed orthodontic controls, JIA patients showed a significantly greater prevalence of anterior open bites (AOBs; P < 0.05; Wilcoxon matched pairs test). Cephalometrically, a larger mandibular plane (P < 0.05) and SNA (P < 0.001) angles and a smaller interincisal angle (P < 0.001) were found. In comparison with the Class II division 1 controls, JIA patients showed a larger SNA (P < 0.001; Wilcoxon matched pairs test) and SNB (P < 0.05) angles and smaller lower anterior face heights (LAFHs; P < 0.05). No differences were found for the mandibular plane, the gonial and the interincisal angles, or total face height. From this case–control study, it can be concluded that although JIA patients share occlusal characteristics with non-JIA patients with a Class II division 1 malocclusion, they are different with regard to the prevalence of condylar lesions and AOBs, as well as SNA and SNB angles and LAFH.

Publication year:2009

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Authors from:Higher Education