Cephalometric study of the upper airways and dentoalveolar height in open bite patients

Assessment of cephalometric parameters and correlation with the severity of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

BACKGROUND

In individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), variations in craniofacial structure have been inconsistently documented, showing differing degrees of alteration between obese and nonobese patients. In addition, sleep disturbance has also been shown to induce disequilibrium in this population of patients. This pilot observational study aimed to assess craniofacial values in obese and nonobese subpopulations of patients with OSAS and their correlation and association with the severity of OSAS. We also assessed whether OSAS patients are characterized by an impaired equilibrium in relation to and associated with the severity of OSAS.

METHODS

We included all consecutive adult patients with OSAS. Through cephalometry, we assessed the upper (UPa-UPp) and lower (LPa-LPp) pharynx diameters, superior anterior facial height (Sor-ANS), anterior facial height (ANS-Me), anterior vertical dimension (Sor-Me), posterior facial height (S-Go) and craniovertebral angle (CVA). Furthermore, we analyzed postural equilibrium through a stabilometric examination.

RESULTS

Forty consecutive OSAS patients (45% female with a mean age of 56 ± 8.2 years) were included. The subgroup of nonobese patients had a reduced UPa-UPp (p = 0.02). Cephalometric measurements were correlated with the severity of OSAS in nonobese patients, whereas only Sor-ANS was correlated with the severity of OSAS in the obese subpopulation. In the overall population, altered craniofacial values are associated with severe OSAS. Although there are differences in equilibrium between obese and nonobese OSAS patients, the stabilometric measurements were not correlated or associated with OSAS severity.

CONCLUSION

Altered craniofacial values and compromised equilibrium in OSAS patients are linked to OSAS severity. Therefore, the management of OSAS should be tailored not only to weight management but also to craniofacial and postural rehabilitation to enhance patient outcomes.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the pharyngeal airway space in patients with anterior open bite

Objective

: This study aimed to three-dimensionally evaluate the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) of patients with anterior open bite (AOB) by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and compare the findings with those obtained in individuals with normal occlusion.

Methods

: The open bite group (OBG, n = 25) consisted of patients with an anterior overbite of -3 mm or less, while the control group (n = 25) consisted of age- and sex-matched individuals with an anterior overbite of 1-3 mm, Angle Class I malocclusion (1° ≤ point A-nasion-point B angle ≤ 4°), and a normodivergent profile (22° ≤ Frankfort mandibular plane angle ≤ 28°). After the CBCT data were reconstructed into a three-dimensional image, the PAS was segmented into four parts, and the volume of each part was measured. Pharyngeal airway length (PAL) and the area and transverse width of the part showing minimal constriction were also measured. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between changes in the PAS and the amount of anterior overbite.

Results

: The OBG showed a significantly narrower airway space in the nasopharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and total airway volumes. The OBG also showed a significantly smaller area and transverse width of the part with minimal constriction. The OBG showed a significantly longer PAL, but there was no correlation between the amount of anterior overbite and the changes in PAS.

Conclusions

: The PAS was associated with AOB. Patients with AOB had a narrower PAS and a smaller part showing minimal constriction.

Study on the Effects of Orthodontics on Anterior Tooth Displacement in Patients

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of orthodontic treatment on anterior tooth displacement caused by periodontal disease.

Methods

A prospective study was performed in 86 patients with anterior tooth displacement caused by periodontal disease. These patients were divided into the experimental group and the control group according to the intervention methods. For the control group, patients were treated with conventional therapy. The experimental group used straight wire orthodontic technique for orthodontic treatment on the basis of conventional treatment. Comparisons were performed between two groups in term of bleeding index, alveolar bone height, anterior tooth coverage, periodontal pocket depth, probing depth, clinical crown length, tooth root length, inflammatory cytokines levels, and orthodontic satisfaction.

Results

Comparison of bleeding index, alveolar bone height, anterior tooth coverage, periodontal pocket depth, probing depth, clinical crown length, tooth root length, and inflammatory cytokines levels between two groups before treatment indicated that there were no statistical differences (all P > 0.05). After treatment, bleeding index, alveolar bone height, anterior tooth coverage, periodontal pocket depth, probing depth, clinical crown length, and serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.05), while the serum level of IL-2 in the experimental group was more than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Also, there was no difference for tooth root length between two groups. Moreover, compared with the control group, orthodontic satisfaction in the experimental group was significantly increased.

Conclusion

The efficacy of orthodontic treatment in patients with anterior tooth displacement caused by periodontal disease is higher than that of only using conventional therapy, as it helps improve their periodontal health, alveolar bone height, clinical crown length, inflammatory factor levels, and orthodontic satisfaction of patients.

Do Specific Craniomaxillofacial Features Correlate with Psychological Distress in Adult Pretreatment Orthodontic Patients? A Cephalometric Study

Purpose

To explore the relationship between craniomaxillofacial features and psychological distress among adult pretreatment orthodontic patients.

Methods

A group of 190 patients (95 males and 95 females) was included. Questionnaires including the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) were sent to patients, and cephalograms were collected. Patients were divided into two groups according to K10 score: psychological distress group (score ≥ 20) and no psychological distress group (score < 20). Nineteen hard tissue and thirteen soft tissue parameters were traced on cephalograms to characterize the craniomaxillofacial features.

Results

There was no significant difference in gender or age distribution between the two groups. Male patients with psychological distress showed statistically significantly larger anterior facial height (AFH) (126.62 mm vs. 120.97 mm), upper lip length (25.11 mm vs. 23.26 mm), and smaller overbite (1.21 mm vs. 2.75 mm) than patients without psychological distress. Male patients with hyperdivergent pattern and open bite were more likely to have psychological distress. None of the parameters showed statistical differences across groups in females. Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (r = 0.235), Bjork's sum (r = 0.311), AFH (r = 0.322), overbite (r = −0.238), AFH/posterior facial height (r = 0.251), and upper anterior facial height (UAFH)/lower anterior facial height (LAFH) (r = −0.230) were correlated with K10 score in males. After adjusting gender and age, the AFH (B = 0.147) and UAFH/LAFH (B = −14.923) were significantly related with the K10 score.

Conclusion

Psychological distress was mainly correlated with hyperdivergent pattern, open bite, and larger lower anterior facial height proportion in pretreatment orthodontic patients. Orthodontists should be aware of the possible underlying psychological distress in patients with specific craniomaxillofacial features. Clinical assessment of psychological distress may need to take into account gender differences in patients.