The spectrum of Apert syndrome: phenotype, particularities in orthodontic treatment, and characteristics of orthognathic surgery

Metabolic Bone Diseases Affecting Tooth Eruption: A Narrative Review

Tooth eruption is an essential process for the development of the oral and maxillofacial system. Several inherited and acquired diseases might affect this tightly regulated process, resulting in premature, delayed, or even failed tooth eruption. The purpose of this article is to review the literature and the clinical parameters of metabolic bone diseases that affect tooth eruption. It examines the physiological aspects of tooth eruption and the pathophysiological changes induced by metabolic bone diseases, including changes in bone metabolism, density, and structure. The search strategy for this review included an electronic search in PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using the following keywords: "metabolic bone diseases", "tooth eruption", "delayed tooth eruption", and each reported disease in combination with "tooth eruption disorders", covering publications up to March 2024 and limited to English-language sources. Understanding the influence of metabolic bone diseases on tooth eruption is crucial for managing both dental and skeletal manifestations associated with these disorders. This review suggests that a multidisciplinary approach to treatment may significantly improve oral outcomes for patients suffering from such conditions. Clinicians should be aware of the specific dental abnormalities that may arise and consider comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans. These findings underscore the need for further research into targeted therapies that address these abnormalities.

Automated three-dimensional analysis of facial asymmetry in patients with syndromic coronal synostosis: A retrospective study

Craniosynostosis, characterized by premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, results in a distorted skull shape. Only three studies have assessed facial asymmetry manually in unicoronal synostosis patients. It is therefore important to understand how uni- and bicoronal synostosis affect facial asymmetry with a minimum risk of human bias. An automated algorithm was developed to quantify facial asymmetry from three-dimensional images, generating a mean facial asymmetry (MFA) value in millimeters to reflect the degree of asymmetry. The framework was applied to analyze postoperative 3D images of syndromic patients (N = 35) diagnosed with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis with respect to MFA values from a healthy control group (N = 89). Patients demonstrated substantially higher MFA values than controls: Muenke syndrome (unicoronal 1.74 ± 0.40 mm, bicoronal 0.77 ± 0.21 mm), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (unicoronal 1.15 ± 0.20 mm, bicoronal 0.69 ± 0.16 mm), and TCF12-related craniosynostosis (unicoronal 1.40 ± 0.51 mm, bicoronal 0.66 ± 0.05 mm), compared with controls (0.49 ± 0.12 mm). Longitudinal analysis identified an increasing MFA trend in unicoronal synostosis patients. Our study revealed higher MFA in syndromic patients with uni- and bicoronal synostosis compared with controls, with the most pronounced MFA in Muenke syndrome patients with unilateral synostosis. Bicoronal synostosis patients demonstrated higher facial asymmetry than expected given the condition's symmetrical presentation.

Traction of impacted and stacked maxillary anterior teeth with precise biomechanics followed by torque control using gate spring

Impaction of multiple maxillary anterior teeth is a rare condition; when it occurs, it impacts the patient's chewing function and smile esthetics, and it has always been problematic for clinicians. This case report presents an 11-year-old girl with impaction of 3 adjacent maxillary anterior teeth, including labiopalatally oriented maxillary right central and lateral incisors and a mesially inclined maxillary right canine. These 3 impacted and stacked teeth were sequentially aligned after surgical exposure and orthodontic traction, and the surrounding dentigerous cyst healed simultaneously. Precise and delicate biomechanics will control root movement and prevent root collision. Gate spring, a novel torquing auxiliary, was used for highly efficient root torque movements of the previously impacted incisors. After 32-month treatment, the patient's occlusion and esthetics greatly improved.

Cleft Palate in Apert Syndrome

Apert syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, midface retrusion, and limb anomalies. Cleft palate occurs in a subset of Apert syndrome patients. Although the genetic causes underlying Apert syndrome have been identified, the downstream signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms responsible for cleft palate are still elusive. To find clues for the pathogenic mechanisms of palatal defects in Apert syndrome, we review the clinical characteristics of the palate in cases of Apert syndrome, the palatal phenotypes in mouse models, and the potential signaling mechanisms involved in palatal defects. In Apert syndrome patients, cleft of the soft palate is more frequent than of the hard palate. The length of the hard palate is decreased. Cleft palate is associated most commonly with the S252W variant of FGFR2. In addition to cleft palate, high-arched palate, lateral palatal swelling, or bifid uvula are common in Apert syndrome patients. Mouse models of Apert syndrome display palatal defects, providing valuable tools to understand the underlying mechanisms. The mutations in FGFR2 causing Apert syndrome may change a signaling network in epithelial–mesenchymal interactions during palatogenesis. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of palatal defects in Apert syndrome may shed light on potential novel therapeutic solutions.

Characterization of Treatment Modalities for Patients With Syndromic Craniosynostosis in Relation to Degree of Midface Hypoplasia and Patient's Age Using Longitudinal Follow-Up Data

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the type and frequency of use of treatment modalities (Tx-Mods) in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis (SC) using longitudinal follow-up data. A total of 28 patients with SC (24 Crouzon, 2 Apert, and 2 Antley-Bixler syndromes), who were treated at the Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, South Korea between 1998 and 2020, was included. According to the degree of midface hypoplasia (MH) at the initial visit (T1), the patients were divided into the mild-MH (78°≤SNA < 80°, n = 8), moderate-MH (76≤SNA < 78°, n = 7), and severe-MH (SNA < 76°, n = 13) groups. T1-age and Tx-Mods, including cal-varial surgery (CALS), orthopedic treatment (OPT), fixed orthodontic treatment, and midface advancement surgery in childhood (MAS-child) and adulthood (MAS-adult), were investigated. Complexity of MAS-adult was graded as follows: 0, no surgery; 1, orthognathic surgery; 2, distraction osteogenesis (DOG); 3, combination of distraction osteogenesis and orthognathic surgery. Then, statistical analysis was performed. Percentage distribution of Tx-Mods was 71.4% in CALS, 21.4% in MAS-child, 42.9% in OPT, 100% in fixed orthodontic treatment, and 89.3% in MAS-adult. 92.9% of patients underwent MAS more than once. The number of MAS increased according to the severity of MH ( P < 0.05). The complexity of MAS-adult increased as T1-age and severity of MH increased (all P < 0.05); whereas it decreased when CALS and OPT were performed (all P < 0.05). However, MAS in childhood did not guarantee the avoidance of additional MAS in adulthood ( P > 0.05). These findings may be used as basic guidelines for successful treatment planning and prognosis prediction in patients with SC.

Síndrome de Apert: alternativas de tratamiento ortodóntico - quirúrgico y tiempos de ejecución. Una revisión de la literatura

Objetivo: realizar una revisión de la literatura acerca de los tratamientos ortodónticos y quirúrgicos del síndrome de Apert durante las diferentes etapas de crecimiento y desarrollo. Métodos: se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos MedLine (PubMed), Science Direct, Scopus y Wiley Online Library con la combinación de los siguientes términos: Syndromic craniosynostosis, Dental treatment, orthodontic treatment, Apert Syndrome, surgical treatment, dental care. Se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas y de literatura, estudios retrospectivos, longitudinales y de cohorte, series y revisiones de caso publicados entre 1990 y 2020 en español o inglés; se excluyeron artículos relacionados con otros síndromes, así como estudios en animales. Los artículos fueron seleccionados según su pertinencia y disponibilidad de texto completo; hallazgos repetidos fueron eliminados; adicionalmente, se utilizó el sistema bola de nieve en los artículos seleccionados; la calidad de la evidencia fue evaluada mediante el sistema GRADE. Resultados: 34 artículos fueron incluidos (calidad alta: 2, moderada: 1, baja: 19 y muy baja: 12). Entre estos, se identificaron discusiones relacionadas con la etapa de crecimiento a la que se recomienda realizar los procedimientos quirúrgicos requeridos para minimizar sus impactos negativos. La mayoría de los artículos apoyan el manejo terapéutico ejecutado por equipos multidisciplinarios. Conclusiones: un plan de tratamiento combinado de ortodoncia y cirugía ortognática se presentó como la mejor opción para obtener los mejores resultados funcionales y estéticos para la población en cuestión. El momento adecuado durante el crecimiento y desarrollo de los individuos para implementar cada fase de tratamiento fue decidido por cada equipo multidisciplinario.

Genes and Pathways Associated with Skeletal Sagittal Malocclusions: A Systematic Review

Skeletal class II and III malocclusions are craniofacial disorders that negatively impact people’s quality of life worldwide. Unfortunately, the growth patterns of skeletal malocclusions and their clinical correction prognoses are difficult to predict largely due to lack of knowledge of their precise etiology. Inspired by the strong inheritance pattern of a specific type of skeletal malocclusion, previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were reanalyzed, resulting in the identification of 19 skeletal class II malocclusion-associated and 53 skeletal class III malocclusion-associated genes. Functional enrichment of these genes created a signal pathway atlas in which most of the genes were associated with bone and cartilage growth and development, as expected, while some were characterized by functions related to skeletal muscle maturation and construction. Interestingly, several genes and enriched pathways are involved in both skeletal class II and III malocclusions, indicating the key regulatory effects of these genes and pathways in craniofacial development. There is no doubt that further investigation is necessary to validate these recognized genes’ and pathways’ specific function(s) related to maxillary and mandibular development. In summary, this systematic review provides initial insight on developing novel gene-based treatment strategies for skeletal malocclusions and paves the path for precision medicine where dental care providers can make an accurate prediction of the craniofacial growth of an individual patient based on his/her genetic profile.

Fronto-orbito-nasal advancement a surgical approach based on skull development in treatment of craniofacial deformities

The classical treatment of craniosynostosis is based on the fundamental work by Tessier. However, developmental aspects suggest modified osteotomy lines like fronto orbito nasal advancement combined with a modified midfacial distraction. This also makes it possible to take assess the different distances of the anterior displacement of the individual parts of the skull. Pioneering in therapy is less the syndrome itself than the accompanying symptoms such as respiration and intracranial pressure. For brain release we recommended (Joos 1998) the osteoclastic procedure according to Powiertowsky (1974) within the first 6 months of life. For further treatment frontoorbito-nasal advancement and modified midface distraction seem to achieve better results in enlarging the inner nose and a more harmonious profile.

Craniofacial, oral, and cervical morphological characteristics in Japanese patients with Apert syndrome or Crouzon syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene are responsible for both Apert syndrome (AS) and Crouzon syndrome (CS). These diseases share phenotypic characteristics, including midfacial hypoplasia and premature fusion of the calvarial suture(s). Given the extensive range of craniofacial growth and developmental abnormalities, management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. This study aimed to compare craniofacial, oral, and cervical morphological characteristics in Japanese orthodontic patients with AS or CS.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Lateral cephalograms, orthopantomograms, dental casts, medical interview records, facial photographs, and intraoral photographs of 7 AS patients and 12 CS patients on initial visits were used in this study. Cephalometric analyses were performed, and standard scores were calculated based on age- and sex-matched Japanese standard values.

RESULTS

Cephalometric analysis revealed that AS patients had significantly more severe maxillary hypoplasia in two dimensions and increased clockwise mandibular rotation. Additionally, cleft of the soft palate, anterior open bite, severe crowding in the maxillary dental arch, and congenitally missing teeth occurred more frequently among AS patients. Multiple fusions between cervical vertebrae C2, C3, C5, and C6 were observed in the AS patients.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS

Our study shows that AS patients have more severe craniofacial and maxillofacial deformities than CS patients.

Pattern of occurrence and treatment of impacted teeth at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Impacted teeth predispose to periodontal disease and dental caries of adjacent teeth resulting in pain, discomfort and loss of function. This study analyzed the pattern of occurrence of impacted teeth, associated symptoms, treatment and complications of treatment in patients who presented at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania.

METHOD

This was a crossectional descriptive study which utilized notes and x rays of patients who were treated for impacted teeth at the Oral and Maxillofacial firm in Muhimbili National Hospital over five years, from January 2005 to August 2010. These records were retrieved and examined for the major complaint of the patient at presentation to hospital, demography, impacted tooth, type of impaction (for third molars), treatment offered and complications after treatment. Similar information was collected from all patients with impacted teeth attended in the same centre from 1st September 2010 to 31st August 2011.

RESULTS

A total of 896 patients (496 males and 400 females) treated for complaints related to impacted teeth were recorded. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1, age range of 16 to 85 years and a mean age of 28.9 years (SD = 9.5). Slightly more than 84% of the patients presented with mandibular third molar impactions. Most (44.7%) of these patients had an impacted lower right third molar followed by those presenting with a lower left third molar impaction (39.7%). In 1.3% of the patients all the four third molars were impacted. Sixty nine (7.7%) patients had impacted upper 3rd molars while 2% had impacted upper canines. Of the mandibular 3rd molar impactions 738 (76%) were mesio-angular type, 87 (8.9%) horizontal type and 69 (7.1%) disto-angular. Patients presented with a variety of complaints. About 85% of the patients presented to hospital due to varying degrees of pain. In 4.9% the detection of the impacted tooth/teeth was coincidental after presenting to hospital for other reasons not related to the impaction. Majority of the patients with impacted mandibular third molars had carious lesions on the impacted teeth, neighbouring tooth or both. Four hundred and five (45.2%) patients had a carious lesion on one of the impacted teeth while 201(22.4%) patients had a carious lesion on the adjacent second molar. In 122 (13.6%) patients both the impacted third molar and the adjacent second molar were carious. In twelve patients who presented with a main complaint of fracture of the angle of the mandible there was an associated impacted 3rd molar. Eight hundred and fifteen (91%) patients with impacted teeth were treated by surgical removal. Among these only 15 (1.8%) had complications that ranged from excessive swellings, trismus and severe pain post operatively. One patient was reported to have fracture of the angle of the mandible sustained during surgical removal of an impacted 48.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with impacted teeth were young with an almost equal sex distribution. The most commonly impacted teeth were mandibular third molars followed by the maxillary third molars. Patients with impacted teeth reported for health care predominantly because of pain due to dental caries or infection.

Orthodontic and surgical treatment of a patient with Apert syndrome

The aim of this case report was to present the combined orthodontic and surgical treatment of a patient with Apert syndrome in an adult stage. A 15 years old male patient with Apert syndrome was concerned about the appearance of his face and malocclusion. His profile was concave with a retruded maxilla and prominent lower lip. He had an Angle class I molar relationship with a 9.5 mm anterior open bite. The amount of crowding was 20.4 mm in the maxilla and 6 mm in the mandible. Cephalometric analysis revealed a skeletal Class III relationship due to maxillary hypoplasia with a dolichofacial growth pattern. Orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery were planned for the patient. After 45 months of presurgical orthodontics, the patient underwent two surgeries sequentially. The first surgery was performed to advance the maxilla and the second surgery was performed to correct the mandibular rotation and increase the overbite at the time of removing halo device. The amount of maxillary advencement was 8 mm. Mandibula was moved 1.5 mm anteriorly and rotated 1° to 1.5° (SNB and facial depth) in a counterclockwise direction. After a relatively long treatment, an esthetically pleasing and functional occlusion and correction of the skeletal problem was achieved in this adult case.

[Presentation of two cases of Crouzon syndrome: allelic cranio-stenotic conditions of FGFR genes]

INTRODUCTION

Craniosynostosis is an abnormal and premature fusion of any cranial suture. Twenty per cent of them involve any specific syndrome with Mendelian transmission; the other 80% are "non syndromic", although but 10-14% of them are genetically transmitted. Using the experience of two patients with Crouzon syndrome, a clinical and genetic review is performed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patient 1: girl of 35 days of age with progressive macrocephaly, protrusion of fontanel, ocular proptosis, hypertelorism and divergent strabismus. Cranial RX with sagittal synostosis. Surgical operation was performed with 3 months and 8 months of age due to development of pansynostosis. Patient 2: boy of 3 years 8 months of age with headaches of migrainous type of one year onset. He had acanthosis nigricans. Cranial RX and cerebral CT with evident digital markings and fundus of eye with undefined papillary limits, but 18 month later oedematous papilla were evident and pansynostosis was detected, so surgery was performed.

RESULTS

We present a patient with classical Crouzon syndrome (patient 1) and another with acanthosis nigricans (patient 2), both diagnosed by the description of characteristic clinical features.

CONCLUSIONS

Ten craniosynostotic clinical forms are currently known as allelic variations of the FGFR genes, and as such have reviewed them. As in our two cases, in syndromic types is very important the accurate study of the phenotype to orientate the diagnosis, although the molecular study will confirm it in many patients and genetic counselling offered.