Oral manifestations of the Rieger syndrome: report of case

The Rieger syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder. It is characterized by defects of the anterior chamber of the eyes as well as developmental malformations of the dentition. A case is described that shows classic findings with emphasis on dental management. Oral abnormalities in the pedigree may also suggest subtle manifestations of the syndrome. Recognition of the dental anomalies may result in early diagnosis of the syndrome and prevent progressive visual loss.

The effect of the supra-alveolar soft tissue on the relapse of orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic closure in cases of aplasia as also in patients with spaces of other genesis is often associated with problems of relapse. In this study ten patients were treated orthodontically in order to close unacceptable interdental spaces. Five patients had paired aplasia. The remaining five patients had interdental spaces of different genesis. Supra-crestal connective tissue fibres were surgically removed in all patients but only on one side of the jaw in the children with paired aplasia. The non-operated side of these children served as a control side. The stability of the orthodontic treatment was acceptable. No definite difference between the operated and the control side was recorded. The histological analysis of the removed tissue did not reveal anything unexpected but a rich infiltration of inflammatory cells. It is suggested that inflammation might aid the reorganization of the connective tissues in this area.