Oral Habits in Childhood and Occlusal Pathologies: A Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To analyse the relationship between the different habits that occur in childhood and the different malocclusions in the three planes of space. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical examination of 106 children between 5 and 12 years of age was carried out and a survey validated by professors of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Seville was made for the parents in order to identify the habits and relate them to the possible malocclusions detected in the child's mouth. RESULTS: 72.64% of the sample presented a malocclusion in at least one of the three planes of space, with a similar distribution. When correlating the variables, statistically significant relationships were observed in the vertical plane with atypical swallowing (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3) and lip sucking (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3) and in the horizontal plane with oral breathing (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3), atypical swallowing (p = 0 < 0.05; V < 0.3) and digital sucking (p = 0 < 0.05; V < 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: It has been observed that the prevalence and prolongation of habits in childhood is increasing, so it is essential to detect pernicious habits at an early age to prevent the establishment of malocclusions and to favour the correct craniofacial growth of the child.

Longevity of Aesthetic Fixed Space Maintainers in the Anterior Area of the Pediatric Dental Patient.

Space maintenance for children at very early ages in primary molars or posterior sectors is widely used and the scientific evidence is clear as to its indications. In the anterior sectors there are doubts as to whether there is a loss of space and its use is usually accompanied by aesthetic, phonatory requirements or the completion of certain habits. In this type of aesthetic anterior maintainer, there are many medium and long-term complications that can occur. PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors determining possible complications capable of reducing the longevity of aesthetic fixed space maintainers placed due to premature loss of temporary upper anterior teeth. METHODS: Data were collected on 100 patients of 1-5 years of age requiring fixed space maintainer placement in the upper anterior area due to caries or traumatisms. RESULTS: Complications were recorded in the form of resin tooth fracture (in 41% of the cases), welding fracture (16%), detachments (28%), gingivitis (26%) and root resorptions (8%). Space maintainer placement in younger children (12-24 months of age) was associated with a significantly greater incidence of root resorptions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present study, it is concluded that fixed space maintainers would be a good treatment option in patients with prematurely missing anterior teeth, though the use of temporary first molars as abutments could imply a greater risk of failure, with a lesser incidence of root resorptions. Periodic checks and adequate measures of hygiene are essential.

Relationship between the TGFBR1 Gene and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization.

BACKGROUND: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Syndrome (MIH) is a problem of increasing incidence that represents a new challenge in the dental treatment of many of the children we see in our dental offices. Understanding the etiology of this syndrome (still unknown) will help us to prevent the appearance of this process. Lately a certain genetic relationship has been suggested in the syndrome. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between activation of the TGFBR1 gene and the development of MIH, as recent studies suggest that there may be an association in this regard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 50 children between 6-17 years of age with MIH, each with at least one parent and a sibling with or without MIH, and a group control of 100 children without MIH. The condition of the permanent molars and incisors was evaluated and recorded based on the criteria of Mathu-Muju and Wright. Saliva samples were collected after washing and rinsing of the oral cavity. Genotyping was performed with the saliva samples for the selection of a target polymorphism of the studied gene (TGFBR1). RESULTS: The mean age was 9.7 years (SD 2.36). Of the 50 children with MIH, 56% were boys and 44% girls. The degree of MIH was predominantly severe (58%), with moderate and mild involvement in 22% and 20% of the cases, respectively, according to the classification of Mathu-Muju. The allelic frequencies were seen to behave as expected. The logistic regression analysis aimed to relate each polymorphism to the presence or absence of the factors. These results were inconclusive, with no evidence suggesting an alteration of the TGFBR1 gene to be related to the appearance of MIH. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations posed by a study of these characteristics, it can be affirmed that no relationship has been found between the TGFBR1 gene and the appearance of molar incisor hypomineralization.

Knowledge of First Aid Measures in Dental Trauma: A Survey of Teachers in the Province of Seville, Spain.

The high incidence of childhood dental trauma requires childcare professionals to have basic notions of dental first aid. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and aptitude (defined as the ability to operate competently in a given activity) of early childhood, primary, and/or secondary education teachers from Seville (Spain) referred to first aid measures in dental trauma. A descriptive study was conducted. The study sample consisted of 442 teachers (334 women and 108 men) coinciding proportionately with the study target population in terms of gender distribution, type of center, and teaching level. A specifically designed questionnaire was used. Most of the participants (88.5%, n = 391) exhibited poor knowledge and aptitude, 11.5% (n = 51) showed a medium level of knowledge and aptitude, and none were categorized as having a high knowledge and aptitude. As a conclusion, teachers in the province of Seville (Spain) showed marked deficiencies in their level of knowledge and aptitude referred to the adoption of first aid measures in dental trauma among their pupils.

Relationship between Children's Lifestyle and Fear during Dental Visits: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose was to analyze the relationship between new family and social patterns and child emotions in the dental clinic. The sample consisted of 174 children between the ages of four and nine. Parents completed 20 questions that referred to social, family, cultural, and economic factors. The Wong−Baker scale was completed by the children after the end of the treatment. A total of 129 of the children were found to be extremely happy (45.4%) or happy (28.7%) with the dental care received. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between younger children and sad and incredibly sad faces on the Wong−Baker test with a strong association (V > 0.3). Regarding children who practiced team sports, the chi-square test revealed a very significant association with happy and incredibly happy faces (p < 0.001) and the Cramer statistic evidenced a strong relationship between team sports and less dental fear (V > 0.3). Considering the limitations, small children (4−6 years) would be more fearful. In addition, stable environments in the family life of children (appropriate routines, adequate time spent with videogames, sport activities) could be interesting factors for improved control of fear and emotions in children. Further research is needed in this field.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of white MTA versus formocresol pulpotomy: A 48-month follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there were differences between formocresol (FC) and white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy in terms of clinical and radiographic signs or effects upon the permanent successor over a long term. METHODS: A total of 212 molars (74 treated with FC and 138 with white MTA) corresponding to 129 subjects [66 females (51.1%) and 63 males (48.8%)] were evaluated. The coronal pulp was carefully amputated up to the entrance of the root canals using a sharp spoon excavator. Post-amputation bleeding was confirmed to be bright red and was seen to subside after applying 2-3 minutes of gentle pressure with a sterile cotton pellet. One group was treated with a 1:5 dilution of formocresol (20% Buckley's formocresol solution), while a second group was treated using white MTA powder (ProRoot). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical success rate between the two groups (89.9% in the white MTA group versus 82.5% if the FC group). However, the radiographic success rate was significantly greater for white MTA versus FC. The radiographic failure rate in the molars treated with MTA was 7.9% versus 18.9% with FC. Regarding alterations in the timing of eruption, early and delayed eruption were respectively recorded in 7.24% and 8.69% of the cases in the MTA group, versus 9.45% and 4.05% of the cases in the FC group. Thus, neither group showed relevant alterations in the timing of eruption. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mineral trioxide aggregate showed a significantly greater radiographic success rate than formocresol in pulpotomy in primary teeth over 6 to 48 months of follow-up. MTA may be indicated as a substitute of formocresol in pulpotomy treatments of temporary molars, with no pathological consequences of any kind to the permanent successor premolar.

Impact of delayed gratification on oral health and caries status in the primary dentition.

OBJECTIVE: The ability to delay gratification (ATDG) is naturally linked to key regulatory psychological traits involved in self-discipline/regulation. The aim of this study was to ascertain the normalized impact of ATDG as an early predictor of oral health, on the primary dentition. METHODS: 404 subjects [202 children (4-6 years old) and 202 mothers] were enrolled in a case-control study. Systematic data collection included: i) extraoral diagnostic parameters; ii) intraoral health status; iii) behavioral aspects; iv) baseline socio-demographic data. The ICC, the paired Student's t-test and kappa statistic were used to evaluate intra-observer reliability. Distributions were explored with the chi-squared test [Odds ratio;95%CI;p<0.05]. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between all clinical diagnostic data and ATDG. RESULTS: Overweight/obese children and those diagnosed with ADHD are more prone to lack ATDG (p<0.001). Higher deft values were observed in children who lacked ATDG, who were also strongly associated with higher sugar consumption and more impulsive personalities (p<0.001;OR:.107/0.031;95%CI:036-0.316/0.008-0.115). By contrast, children with responsible personality traits were associated with this skill (p<0.028;OR:3.33;95%CI:1.1-9.7) and obtained the lowest deft (p<0.306;OR:0.539;95%CI:0.165-0.176) and gingival index values (p<0.001;OR:10.44;95%CI:2.6-40.9), which are clear indicators of better current and future oral health. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide insights into a novel predictor for identifying individuals at a higher risk of dental caries in early childhood. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present study offers a new hypothesis for identifying individuals with poor oral health status. Early tools to detect the most vulnerable population sectors are critically important to reduce the global burden of caries and other oral diseases.

Decoronation: An Alternative Treatment for Replacement Root Resorption.

INTRODUCTION: Ankylosis and disrupted or altered root development are frequent complications associated with intrusive luxation and tooth avulsion lesions. Various forms of treatment have been described according to the severity of the trauma and root development. The literature shows that decoronation is an ideal treatment in cases where replacement resorption occurs. METHODS: Two clinical cases are presented: involving intrusive luxation [15-year-old female patient with an affected maxillary left lateral incisor (2.2)] and a replanted avulsed tooth [8-year-old male patient with avulsion of the right maxillary central incisor (1.1)]; both cases presented advanced root resorption so that decoronation with a prosthetic tooth replacement was decided as the final treatment option. RESULTS: In the short-term follow-up, patients were asymptomatic and had no functional problems. Radiographs showed that crestal bone height had been preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Preserving the decoronated root in the alveolar process not only helps to maintain bone volume but also enables vertical bone growth and facilitates the future insertion of an implant.

Prevalence and complications of trauma to the primary dentition in a subpopulation of Spanish children in southern Europe.

BACKGROUND: During the first years of life, when children begin to walk and socialize, they are particularly vulnerable to traumatic injuries to the primary teeth; indeed, after dental caries, such injuries are the second most frequent cause of pediatric dental consultation. Nonetheless, the reported prevalence of trauma to the primary teeth varies depending on the literature source, type of injury, the patient's age, and the most common associated complications. AIM: To analyze new epidemiological data and complications associated with traumatic injuries to the primary teeth of Spanish children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in a subpopulation of 879 Spanish children in southern Europe aged between one and 7 years old, with primary and early mixed dentition. Clinical and radiological records were obtained from all pediatric patients who presented trauma to the primary teeth, with a follow-up period of 3-5 years. RESULTS: A total of 21.72% of children examined had some kind of dental trauma and the most common age range for injuries to the primary teeth was 1-3 years old. The most common injuries in deciduous teeth were subluxation (47.29% of injuries affected the periodontal ligament), intrusion (23.15%), and avulsion (13.63%). On the other hand, comparatively more complications were recorded as a result of intrusion (32 of 47 intruded teeth). CONCLUSIONS: In this Spanish subpopulation, a pediatric dental consultation as a result of traumatic dental injuries in primary dentition is most frequent in 1- and 2-year-olds, and subluxation is the commonest injury in the primary dentition. In turn, intrusion is associated with an increased frequency of complications in both the deciduous and the permanent teeth.

Dental fear in children: the role of previous negative dental experiences.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the potential main sources of anxiety in children visiting the dental office and to examine whether negative experiences influence the development of dental fear. METHODS: Six hundred six subjects from the same pediatric dental office were consecutively invited to participate in the study (303 children/303 parents). An adapted version of the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale were used to rate anxiety in children and parents. Clinical variables were collected by the same experienced pediatric dentist, with a view to determining their potential influence upon the development of fears. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), along with the Mann-Whitney U test, were used to determine the association between clinical variables and anxiety levels. Correlations were established using the Spearman coefficient (r) (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No statistical differences were observed in anxiety levels with respect to patient gender (p > 0.05). Greater anxiety levels were observed in 4- and 5-year-old children (n = 56/55, respectively), with a negative correlation between age and anxiety level (r = -0.176; p = 0.002) and between parent anxiety level and patient age (r = -0.154; p = 0.007). A strong positive correlation was found between the anxiety levels of the parents and children (r = 0.954; p < 0.001). In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between elevated anxiety levels in children (r = 0.381; p < 0.001) and parents (r = 0.454; p < .001) and the number of previous treatments in other dental offices. CONCLUSIONS: Dental fear in children is strongly associated with inadequate dental management, causing anxiety levels to increase in both the children and parents.

Effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomies in primary molars on their permanent tooth successors.

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term success rate of white MTA pulpotomies in primary teeth and its influence upon eruption and calcification of the permanent successor, as well as other key clinical and radiographic parameters. METHODS: A total of 138 molars from participants between 2-10 years of age were included. Clinical and radiographic parameters were monitored in the primary and/or permanent successor at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 months or until eruption of the permanent successor, using the contralateral tooth as control. Chi-squared test and the Spearman correlation coefficient (r) were used to evaluate potential associations and distributions between radiographic/clinical parameters (P < 0.05; 95% CI). RESULTS: Clinical alterations were observed in 1.4% of the primary molars. Unfavorable radiographic pulp responses (furcation radiolucency, internal root resorption with perforation, or external root resorption) were observed in 6.5% of the cases. Dentin bridge formation in the roots was observed in a range as low as 71.2% to a maximum of 89.9% of the cases. The presence or absence of dentin bridge formation in any of the roots was not associated or correlated with the age of the patient (P > 0.05). Reparative dentin formation in any of the the root canals was recorded in 37.3 to a 68.1% of the canals (P > 0.05). The 50 permanent successors recorded after exfoliation of the treated molars showed no alterations in color, mineralization, structure or position, and no alterations in the timing of eruption were noted.

Integrated periodontal, orthodontic, and prosthodontic treatment in a case of severe generalized aggressive periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: This article reports a case of severe generalized aggressive periodontitis and subsequent collapse of the occlusion in a psychiatric patient, treated by an extremely conservative orthodontic-periodontal-prosthodontic treatment. SUMMARY: A woman presented with severe anterior proclination caused by severe periodontal disease and Angle's class II molar malocclusion. The patient wanted to preserve her teeth and rejected the idea of implant treatment. This case report demonstrates that combining periodontal therapy, orthodontic treatment, and prosthodontics (through a decision-making system with a proper interdisciplinary coordination) can greatly improve function and the esthetic result. Comprehensive periodontal treatment took place before other intervention, and periodontal maintenance and follow-up throughout the treatment and after played a crucial role.

Bone- and dentoalveolar-anchored dentofacial orthopedics for Class III malocclusion: new approaches, similar objectives? : a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the scientific literature and compare in the results of conventional orthopedic appliances with those obtained from recent bone-anchored orthopedics for Class III malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature was systematically reviewed using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Scirus databases up to January 2012. Articles were selected by two different researchers (kappa index  =  0.83), based on established inclusion/exclusion criteria. Methodologic quality was classified as high, medium, or low quality. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 1020 titles. Thirty studies were selected after applying the criteria (high quality  =  9, medium quality  =  21). Protraction rates differed within a range of one- to twofold between bone-anchored and dentoalveolar therapies (P < .001). All studies noted the effect of clockwise rotation on the mandible and an increase in inferior-anterior and total facial height; this was more obvious in dentoalveolar therapy than in bone-anchored orthopedics (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Dental parameters like overjet increased significantly with both sets of groups, ranging from 1.7 to 7.9 mm with dentoalveolar therapy and from 2.7 to 7.6 mm with bone-anchored orthopedics.

Stem cells in current paediatric dentistry practice.

New protocols for regenerative endodontic treatment along with the parallel development of tissue engineering technologies are changing traditional knowledge and treatment possibilities for young patients with pulp-affected permanent immature teeth. The regeneration and completion of apical root development in pathological situations such as these is a clinical challenge that traditional treatments have not so far been able to resolve with complete success. In clinical terms, the decision of whether to perform apexogenesis or apexification on an immature tooth is determined by whether the pulp tissue is vital or non-vital. Recent evidence and reports in the literature have questioned the old dogmas. In this respect, the ever growing scientific literature in this field makes it essential to compile a critical reflection and summary of everything that has been written to date, in order to understand the biological basis of current clinical advances and ensuing lines of future therapy. In this paper, we wish to give scientific coverage and background to more recent clinical and molecular advances described in the field of apical regeneration using stem cell therapy and their potentially key role in the future clinical success of new pulp regenerative protocols.

Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) genetic variations condition post-orthodontic external root resorption in endodontically-treated teeth.

External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequent iatrogenic problem following orthodontic treatment in endodontically-treated teeth, about which the literature reports substantial variability in post-orthodontic treatment EARR responses. The main focus of the present study is to clarify whether variants in the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene coding for the IL-1ra protein have a positive/negative influence on EARR of endodontically-treated teeth. Ninety-three orthodontic patients were genetically screened for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP:rs419598) in the IL1 cluster. The sample was classified into 2 groups: group 1 (affected-group) showed radiographic EARR of more than 2mm; group 2 (control-group), had no EARR or EARR ≤ to 2mm following orthodontic treatment on root-filled teeth. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain an adjusted estimate between the SNPs studied and EARR. Genotype distributions, allelic frequencies, adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. We found that subjects homozygous [1/1(TT)] for the IL1RN gene [OR:10.85; p=0.001;CI:95%] were at risk of EARR in root-filled teeth. Genetic variants in the antagonist axis balance of the IL1RN (rs419598) have a direct repercussion on the predisposition to post-orthodontic EARR in root-filled teeth. Variants in allele 1 of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene(rs419598) are associated(p=0.001**) with an increased risk of suffering post-orthodontic EARR in root-filled teeth.

Cranial base and maxillary changes in patients treated with Frankel’s functional regulator (1b)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess cranial base and maxillary growth in patients with Class IItype I malocclusions when treated with Frankel’s functional regulator (FR-1b). Study Design: The treatment group was made up of 43 patients that were divided into two groups: prepubescent (n: 28), and pubescent (n: 15). The control group included 40 patients who did not receive any kind of treatment and were likewise divided into a prepubescent group (n: 19), and a pubescent group (n: 21). A computerized cephalometric study was carried out and superimpositions were done in order to assess the antero-posterior, vertical and rotational movement of the maxilla. Results: The results indicate that anterior cranial length is not affected by the regulator but the cranial deflection of the treatment group was diminished. Although a slight counterclockwise rotation effect on the upper jaw was observed due to treatment, no growth restriction of the maxilla in a vertical or antero-posterior direction was observed compared to other non-treated Class II-type I malocclusion patients. Conclusion: The functional regulator does not have any effect on anterior cranial length, but it does affect the angulation of the cranial base. According to our results, the appliance has demonstrated a flattening effect of the cranial base (p<0.05) in the treated sample. The functional regulator induces counterclockwise rotation rather than vertical or sagittal changes in the maxilla (AU)

Effects on the maxilla and cranial base caused by cervical headgear: A longitudinal study

Objectives: The aim of this study is to test the possible orthopedic effects of cervical headgear on the cranial base and maxilla. Study design: a sample consisting of 79 subjects with skeletal class II malocclusion was divided into two groups. The experimental group was made up of 41 patients all treated with cervical headgear. The control group included a total of 38 non-treated patients. Each one of these groups was then subdivided according to age into one of three groups: prepubescent, pubescent or post-pubescent. Cephalometric parameters were compared in both groups in order to measure the cranial base angle and the vertical and sagittal position of the maxilla. Additionally, cephalometric superimpositions taken at the beginning and end of the study were compared. Results: results revealed significant differences in the cranial base angle and in the SNA angle (p<0.05). However, no differences were observed in the variables that measure the maxillomandibular relationship. While no changes were noted in the palatal plane slope, a flattening of the cranial base was found caused by the cervical headgear, in addition to a retrusion of point A that does not mean there was a reduction in the maxillomandibular relationship. Conclusions: cervical headgear treatment induces cephalometric flattening of the cranial base and a decrease of the SNA angle (AU)

Postorthodontic external root resorption in root-filled teeth is influenced by interleukin-1ß polymorphism.

INTRODUCTION: External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequent iatrogenic effect of orthodontic treatment. The way root-filled teeth respond to orthodontic forces with respect to EARR has been reported as varying widely between individuals. Genetic variants in the interleukin-1 gene have been associated with an increased risk of experiencing postorthodontic EARR on vital teeth. The objective of this study is to determine whether variants in the interleukin-1 gene have a positive or negative influence on EARR on teeth that have been endodontically treated. METHODS: Ninety-three orthodontic patients underwent genetic screening for 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1800587, rs1143634) in the IL1 gene cluster. Subjects were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence (affected group) or absence (control group) of more than 2 mm of EARR on root-filled teeth after orthodontic treatment as shown by radiography. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain adjusted estimates of EARR and IL1 polymorphisms. Allele frequencies, genotype distributions, and adjusted odds ratios were also calculated (95% confidence interval). RESULTS: No positive or negative statistical association was found between postorthodontic treatment EARR in root-filled teeth and genetic variations in IL1A (P > .05). A direct relationship was found for the IL1B gene in the comparative analysis of homozygous subjects (2/2[TT]) and (1/1[CC]), which led to an increased risk of experiencing postorthodontic treatment EARR in root-filled teeth (odds ratio = 11.59; P = .006; confidence interval, 95%) and (odds ratio = 2.54; P = .035; confidence interval, 95%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The development of EARR in subjects with root-filled teeth who undergo orthodontic treatment might be attributable to genetic variations in the interleukin-1ß gene (rs1143634).

Cranial base and maxillary changes in patients treated with Frankel' s functional regulator (1b).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess cranial base and maxillary growth in patients with Class II-type I malocclusions when treated with Frankel' s functional regulator (FR-1b). STUDY DESIGN: The treatment group was made up of 43 patients that were divided into two groups: prepubescent (n: 28), and pubescent (n: 15). The control group included 40 patients who did not receive any kind of treatment and were likewise divided into a prepubescent group (n: 19), and a pubescent group (n: 21). A computerized cephalometric study was carried out and superimpositions were done in order to assess the antero-posterior, vertical and rotational movement of the maxilla. RESULTS: The results indicate that anterior cranial length is not affected by the regulator but the cranial deflection of the treatment group was diminished. Although a slight counterclockwise rotation effect on the upper jaw was observed due to treatment, no growth restriction of the maxilla in a vertical or antero-posterior direction was observed compared to other non-treated Class II-type I malocclusion patients. CONCLUSION: The functional regulator does not have any effect on anterior cranial length, but it does affect the angulation of the cranial base. According to our results, the appliance has demonstrated a flattening effect of the cranial base (p<0.05) in the treated sample. The functional regulator induces counterclockwise rotation rather than vertical or sagittal changes in the maxilla.

Effects on the maxilla and cranial base caused by cervical headgear: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to test the possible orthopedic effects of cervical headgear on the cranial base and maxilla. STUDY DESIGN: a sample consisting of 79 subjects with skeletal class II malocclusion was divided into two groups. The experimental group was made up of 41 patients all treated with cervical headgear. The control group included a total of 38 non-treated patients. Each one of these groups was then subdivided according to age into one of three groups: prepubescent, pubescent or post-pubescent. Cephalometric parameters were compared in both groups in order to measure the cranial base angle and the vertical and sagittal position of the maxilla. Additionally, cephalometric superimpositions taken at the beginning and end of the study were compared. RESULTS: results revealed significant differences in the cranial base angle and in the SNA angle (p<0.05). However, no differences were observed in the variables that measure the maxillomandibular relationship. While no changes were noted in the palatal plane slope, a flattening of the cranial base was found caused by the cervical headgear, in addition to a retrusion of point A that does not mean there was a reduction in the maxillomandibular relationship. CONCLUSIONS: cervical headgear treatment induces cephalometric flattening of the cranial base and a decrease of the SNA angle.