Effects of non-nutritive sucking habits on malocclusions: a systematic review.

The development of the craniomandibular system is guided by genetic interactions and environmental factors, including specific habits such as breastfeeding, bottle feeding, thumb sucking and the use of pacifiers. These habits can have a considerable impact on the growth of the developing jaws and can lead to malocclusion in children. This review aims to investigate potential associations between non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSHs) and malocclusions compared to the presence of nutritive sucking habits (NSHs). To carry out this systematic review, we followed the PRISMA protocol and performed a bibliographic search of the existing literature until April 2023 in the following electronic databases: Medline, PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Embase. Out of a total of 153 records, we included 21 studies. We found that the chances of diagnosing a malocclusion were higher for children with bottle nutrition when compared to breast-fed children. Breastfeeding provides protection against malocclusions. In the same manner, persistent NNSH habits appeared to be associated with increased chances of having malocclusions. The longer the child was breastfed, the shorter the duration of the pacifier habit and the lower the risk of developing moderate/severe malocclusions. The duration of the habits has a positive influence on the appearance of occlusion defects.

Attractive perception of profile class II patients treated with extractions versus dentoalveolar mandibular advancement devices

Aim: This study aimed to compare the esthetic perception of profile silhouette of pictures of class II patients before and after treatment (extractions or mandibular advancement), according to a visual analog scale (VAS) among orthodontists, general dentists and lay people. Methods: A presentation of 18 class II adult patients silhouette was shown to three groups of participants (25 orthodontists, 25 general dentists, and 25 lay people) in two phases in an cross-sectional survey study. An initial presentation pre-treatment and a second one post-treatment, one month later. The presentation consisted of nine pictures of four extractions orthodontic cases (two maxillary premolars and two mandibular premolars): five males, four females, and other nine pictures with a dentoalveolar mandibular advance (Forsus® and/or class II elastics): four males, five females. To compare pre and post-treatment scores, an ANOVA test was performed. Independent variables studied were: sex, age, and previous or present orthodontic treatment of participants. Results:A total of 75 of evaluators scored 18 patient profiles before and after treatment. In the three groups, the post treatment silhouette scored significantly higher. Advancement treatment scored significantly higher than extractions, especially among lay people. Orthodontist gave the lowers score regardless of treatment. No differences were found between male and female scoring (p>0.05). The participants between 30-39 years old gave higher scores than other age groups(p<0,05). Conclusion: In our sample, class II orthodontic treatments did always improve esthetic perception of patients profile. Advancement treatment achieved a better esthetic perception than extractions, especially among lay people

Prevalence of Hypodontia in a Sample of Spanish Dental Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypodontia in a sample of dental patients, aged between seven and eleven years at University Alfonso X in Madrid (Spain). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The number of hypodontia cases and the most affected teeth were evaluated in 2500 panoramic radiographs in a random sample of dental patients consisting of 1235 females and 1265 males. We divided them according to age, number of hypodontia present in each patient (multiple or single), each side, each quadrant either in the upper jaw or in the mandible. The chi-square test (P <0.05) was used to compare the differences in agenesis among males and females. RESULTS: The sample of 2500 patients who were studied consisted of 1235 women, out of which 41 presented hypodontia (3.31%) and 1265 men, out of which 46 had at least a dental absence (3.63%). There was no significant difference in the proportion of hypodontia between men and women (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The percentage of total agenesis of 2500 patients studied was 3.48%.