Occlusal characteristics and oral health-related quality of life in adults operated due to sagittal synostosis in childhood: a case-control study with 26 years of follow-up

Childs Nerv Syst. 2023 May;39(5):1277-1282. doi: 10.1007/s00381-023-05871-x. Epub 2023 Feb 8.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate occlusal characteristics, received orthodontic treatment, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and satisfaction with dental esthetics in adults operated due to sagittal synostosis.

Methods: The study group consisted of 40 adults (25 males, 15 females, mean age 27.4 years, range 18-41) who were operated due to isolated sagittal synostosis in childhood. The control group comprised 40 age and gender-matched adults. Occlusal characteristics were evaluated clinically during study visits. Information on the previous orthodontic treatment was collected from dental records. OHRQoL was measured using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and satisfaction with dental esthetics was evaluated using a visual analogue scale.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the patient group and the controls in malocclusion traits (overjet, overbite, molar relationships, crossbite, scissor bite), previous orthodontic treatment, pre-treatment malocclusion diagnoses, OHIP variables, or satisfaction with dental esthetics. However, there was a tendency toward increased overjet and overbite in scaphocephalic patients.

Conclusion: It seems that adults with scaphocephaly operated in childhood do not differ from the average population in terms of occlusion, received orthodontic treatment, or oral health-related well-being.

Keywords: Malocclusion; Orthodontic treatment; Satisfaction; Scaphocephaly.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Craniosynostoses*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malocclusion* / epidemiology
  • Malocclusion* / surgery
  • Malocclusion, Angle Class II* / epidemiology
  • Overbite* / therapy
  • Quality of Life
  • Young Adult