New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Dentistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2022) | Viewed by 23445

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Interests: paediatric dentistry and preventive dentistry; digital dentistry; orthodontics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Interests: paediatric dentistry; prevention; dentistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will cover several aspects of paediatric dentistry with an emphasis on childhood caries, the first months of life and how to develop good oral health, and new frontiers in paediatric dentistry and in prevention. Uneven epidemiology has consequences for caries risk assessment, treatment plans, patient/parent motivation, and public health measures, each itself a topic to be explored. 

We will deal with carrying out very in-depth research on the risk of caries, which is a very important topic at this point in time and which greatly influences epidemiology. We will also investigate the study of new technological tools used in Paediatric Dentistry.

Prof. Dr. Silvia Caruso
Prof. Dr. Roberto Gatto
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • paediatric dentistry
  • risk assessment
  • early childhood caries
  • prevention
  • digital paediatric dentistry

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 1094 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Oral Health in a Child Cohort of a Rural Zone of Ethiopia
by Luca Mezzofranco, Francesca Zalunardo, Andrea Magliarditi and Antonio Gracco
Children 2023, 10(11), 1824; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111824 - 17 Nov 2023
Viewed by 747
Abstract
Health conditions in a developing state such as Ethiopia are precarious; in addition to the extreme spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, oral health is also affected by the scarce knowledge and possibility of treatment. This analysis considered 77 children aged 7 [...] Read more.
Health conditions in a developing state such as Ethiopia are precarious; in addition to the extreme spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, oral health is also affected by the scarce knowledge and possibility of treatment. This analysis considered 77 children aged 7 to 11 from a primary school in Guraghe in Ethiopia. The presence of plaque, calculus, and caries was evaluated. For each caries, the affected tooth and the site of onset were considered. Plaque was detected in 39% of the children, calculus in 22%, and dental caries in 48% of the patients. The cavities were found to be equally distributed between the two arches, with a prevalence of location in the deciduous teeth and in the occlusal area. The implementation of home oral hygiene education and the training of health professionals who successfully promote oral health is necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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10 pages, 1526 KiB  
Article
Management of the Pediatric Patient with Suspected Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
by Sorina Savin, Luca Mezzofranco, Antonio Gracco, Giovanni Bruno and Alberto De Stefani
Children 2023, 10(7), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071225 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 966
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this paper is to describe the multidisciplinary management pathway for pediatric patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) conducted by the Pediatric and Orthodontic Department of the Dental Clinic of Padua. Materials and methods: All pediatric subjects undergo [...] Read more.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to describe the multidisciplinary management pathway for pediatric patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) conducted by the Pediatric and Orthodontic Department of the Dental Clinic of Padua. Materials and methods: All pediatric subjects undergo a comprehensive medical history, including the completion of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and a physical examination. Patients with suspected OSAS are placed on a waiting list for home respiratory polygraphy testing. The respiratory polygraphy examination is conducted over two consecutive nights and interpreted by a neurologist. Additionally, patients diagnosed with OSAS undergo a case study involving intraoral and extraoral photography, as well as radiographic evaluation. Results: Between September 2021 and May 2023, a total of 134 subjects (including 76 males), with an average age of 9.2 years, were identified as diagnostic suspects. Among these, 38 patients (28.3%) tested positive based on respiratory polygraphic results. Depending on the severity and etiopathogenetic characteristics of the disease, the positive cases were referred to various specialists. Conclusion: In the daily clinical practice of dentistry, particularly in orthodontics and pedodontics, the establishment of a defined management pathway for pediatric patients with OSAS is crucial. The collaboration of a multidisciplinary team with a shared objective of achieving accurate diagnosis and implementing targeted treatment in a timely manner is essential. Regular re-evaluation of patients through clinical and instrumental examinations is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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11 pages, 283 KiB  
Article
Influence of Tooth Brushing and Previous Dental Visits on Dental Caries Status among Saudi Arabian Children
by Sreekanth Kumar Mallineni, Abdullah Alassaf, Basim Almulhim and Sara Alghamdi
Children 2023, 10(3), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10030471 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the dental caries status and its association with tooth brushing frequency and previous dental visits among Arabian children. Methods: Arabian school children attend a specialty pediatric dental clinic at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Only children of Saudi origin with primary [...] Read more.
Objective: To evaluate the dental caries status and its association with tooth brushing frequency and previous dental visits among Arabian children. Methods: Arabian school children attend a specialty pediatric dental clinic at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Only children of Saudi origin with primary dentition were included in the study, and only one examiner was involved in the assessment and data collection. The parents of children completed a questionnaire to investigate possible explanatory variables for caries status, including tooth brushing frequency and previous dental visits. Dental caries were diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (2013). The comparison performed was based on sex, age, tooth brushing frequency, and previous dental visits. The descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS (version 21.0) with a p-value of <0.05 significance. Results: The study involved 268 Saudi children with a mean age of 4.6 ± 1.1 years. The caries prevalence was 78.8%, and the mean dmft was 5.82 ± 4.48, while the overall mean scores for decayed, missing, and filled were 3.903 ± 3.69, 1.18 ± 1.69, and 0.73 ± 1.35, respectively. The mean dmft scores for the <3 years, 3.1–6 years, and >6 years old children were found to be 1.74, 6.58, and 4.58, respectively. Among the children, the females reported higher dmf scores (7.51 ± 4.18) compared to males (4.97 ± 4.39) with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Fifty percent of the children had tooth brushing habits of once daily, followed by never (22.4%), twice daily (15.7%), and rarely (11.2%) brushed their teeth. Statistically significant correlations were found between the children’s dental caries status, age, and dental visits, while sex and tooth brushing did not find a correlation. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries among Arabian preschool children was higher. Mandibular second molars were commonly affected by dental caries, while mandibular central incisors were less frequently affected. The child’s age and frequency of dental checkups were positively related to the prevalence of dental caries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
8 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
Difference in Using Protrusion Face Mask before or after Rapid Palatal Expansion in Skeletal Class III Children: A Preliminary Study
by Patrizia Lucchi, Marco Rosa, Giovanni Bruno, Alberto De Stefani, Francesca Zalunardo and Antonio Gracco
Children 2022, 9(10), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101535 - 08 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1273
Abstract
Treatment of third-class malocclusions often presents a challenge for orthodontists. Skeletal disharmony is often associated with dental malposition. There are several therapeutic choices, including the use in combination of transverse expansion of the maxilla with rapid palatal expander (RPE) and posterior-anterior traction with [...] Read more.
Treatment of third-class malocclusions often presents a challenge for orthodontists. Skeletal disharmony is often associated with dental malposition. There are several therapeutic choices, including the use in combination of transverse expansion of the maxilla with rapid palatal expander (RPE) and posterior-anterior traction with a Delaire face mask (FM). The purpose of the study is to verify whether there are significant differences in the treatment outcome in the case of use of a face mask followed by a palatal expander or with the sequence of these auxiliaries reversed. Subject and Methods: The two groups were both made up of 13 patients, subdivided into group A, i.e., those whose sequence involved the use of extraoral traction first and then the disjunctor, and those with an inverted sequence in group B. Some cephalometric parameters and dento-skeletal characteristics were evaluated pre-treatment (t0) and at the end of therapy (t1). Results: Considering the T1–T0 of group A (Delaire + rapid palatal expander), the evaluation of the results obtained in this work allows us to observe how within group A there is a significant improvement in the Witts and Nanda indices and facial convexity. Group B (treated with the palate disjunctor sequence followed by traction with Delaire’s mask) showed a significant improvement in ANB, in AoBo, and AppBpp values and in convexity. The two groups were comparable, and no statistically significant difference was highlighted. Discussion: The early therapy of the third skeletal classes by means of a rapid palate expander and face mask is effective. There is no statistically significant difference in the two groups who performed the therapy in reverse mode. This suggests that the clinician should choose the treatment sequence based on the skeletal and occlusal conditions of their patients at the start of treatment. Conclusion: Early therapy of third skeletal classes with sagittal expansion using a rapid palate expander can be performed earlier or later than posterior-anterior traction with a Delaire mask. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
7 pages, 1768 KiB  
Article
Gingival Margins’ Modifications during Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign First®: A Preliminary Study
by Roberta Lione, Francesca Gazzani, Sofia Moretti, Carlotta Danesi, Elisabetta Cretella Lombardo and Chiara Pavoni
Children 2022, 9(10), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101423 - 20 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1952
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess modifications of gingival morphology at the end of Phase I treatment with Invisalign First. Eighteen subjects (ten females, eight males, mean age nine years) treated with Invisalign First were selected. The following parameters were measured [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to assess modifications of gingival morphology at the end of Phase I treatment with Invisalign First. Eighteen subjects (ten females, eight males, mean age nine years) treated with Invisalign First were selected. The following parameters were measured on intraoral photographs before treatment (T0) and after the first set of aligners (T1) at level of permanent incisors, deciduous canines and molars: gingival margin height (GMH) and deciduous canine inclination (DCI). A paired t-test was used to evaluate T1-T0 changes. The level of significance was established at 5%. Deciduous canines’ GMH showed a major reduction between T1 and T0 accounting for 0.87 mm and 0.86 mm, respectively on the right and left sides. DCI increased for all patients in the interval T0–T1 on both sides, +7.11° on the right and +7.5° on the left. Tooth movement during Invisalign First induced significant modifications of gingival contour resulting in a more harmonious smile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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11 pages, 2538 KiB  
Article
Management of Enamel Defects with Resin Infiltration Techniques: Two Years Follow Up Retrospective Study
by Alessia Vincenza Brescia, Lorenzo Montesani, Dimitri Fusaroli, Raffaella Docimo and Gianfranco Di Gennaro
Children 2022, 9(9), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091365 - 08 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3555
Abstract
Background: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) represent an aesthetic, functional, and often psychological problem, especially in young patients. Infiltrative treatment with resin (Icon-DMG, Hamburg, Germany) is a minimally invasive technique based on the infiltration of high viscosity resin inside the hypomineralized enamel, modifying [...] Read more.
Background: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) represent an aesthetic, functional, and often psychological problem, especially in young patients. Infiltrative treatment with resin (Icon-DMG, Hamburg, Germany) is a minimally invasive technique based on the infiltration of high viscosity resin inside the hypomineralized enamel, modifying its optical properties. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of superficial infiltration in the treatment of white enamel defects of the anterior sector with pre-eruptive etiology and its stability over time. Methods: Thirty-three patients affected by DDE associated with mild and moderate Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), mild and moderate fluorosis, and post-traumatic hypomineralization treated with resin infiltration were retrospectively retrieved. Results: In all cases an improvement in aesthetic appearance was achieved, and the 24-month follow-up confirmed the stability of the results. However, in the cases of traumatic hypomineralization the results were not completely satisfactory. Conclusions: The superficial infiltration technique can be considered a valid minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatment of mild or moderate fluorosis and mild MIH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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8 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
Possible Association between Methylphenidate and Mandibular Bone Characteristics Detected by Dental Panoramic Radiograph in Children and Adolescents with ADHD
by Hadas Kostiner, Lazar Kats, Nurit Kot-Limon, Eran Dolev and Sigalit Blumer
Children 2022, 9(9), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091276 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
Some studies have shown that children treated with psychostimulants for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Mandibular cortical width (MCW) may be used as a surrogate measure for evaluating BMD. We compared the MCW measured on digital panoramic radiographs [...] Read more.
Some studies have shown that children treated with psychostimulants for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Mandibular cortical width (MCW) may be used as a surrogate measure for evaluating BMD. We compared the MCW measured on digital panoramic radiographs (DPR) of 38 children and adolescents with ADHD who were treated with methylphenidate for at least 12 months to the MCW of 58 children and adolescents without ADHD (control). The two groups had a similar mean age (p = 0.3). Mean MCW was significantly lower among children with ADHD compared to those in the control group (2.77 ± 0.33 mm vs. 3.04 ± 0.46 mm, p = 0.004). Additionally, each of the MCW sides were significantly smaller in the group with ADHD compared with the control group. In conclusion, treatment with methylphenidate is associated with low MCW in children and adolescents with ADHD. Analysis of MCW on DPR may help in screening children that are at risk of bone health alterations that may result in low BMD in adulthood. Dentists may be the first to identify bone health abnormalities and should be aware of their role in referring their patients to further follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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19 pages, 1511 KiB  
Article
Interceptive Treatment with Invisalign® First in Moderate and Severe Cases: A Case Series
by Teresa Pinho, Duarte Rocha, Sofia Ribeiro, Francisca Monteiro, Selma Pascoal and Rui Azevedo
Children 2022, 9(8), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081176 - 05 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3082
Abstract
The increasing demand for more aesthetic/comfortable orthodontic alternatives fostered the utilization of clear aligners in recent years. However, the efficacy of clear aligners for treating complex malocclusions is often treated with scepticism. This case series aims to evaluate the predictability of the Invisalign [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for more aesthetic/comfortable orthodontic alternatives fostered the utilization of clear aligners in recent years. However, the efficacy of clear aligners for treating complex malocclusions is often treated with scepticism. This case series aims to evaluate the predictability of the Invisalign® First system in moderate and severe cases requiring interceptive orthodontic treatments in mixed dentition. A total of 23 patients with 102 interceptive orthodontic malocclusion traits were selected for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® First and were examined over 18 months (Phase 1). Clinical assessments included ClinCheck® predictions, cephalometric measurements, and measuring tools commonly used to quantify tooth movement. Measurements taken at the beginning and end of the treatment were compared. The complexity degree of each case was established based on the set of problems presented by each patient. All treatment objectives were achieved within 18 months, except for two Class II cases, with 69% of them solved with the first set of aligners. Additional aligners were used in the remaining cases. Even though these 23 cases suggest that the Invisalign® First (Phase 1) may be effective in most interceptive problems, controlled randomized clinical trials are required to evaluate movement predictability and how this relates to the problem complexity and additional aligners required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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12 pages, 504 KiB  
Article
Attitude of Midwives towards Fluoride Recommendations and Oral Prevention in Infants and Young Children
by Antje Geiken, Louise Holtmann, Christof E. Doerfer, Christiane Schwarz and Christian Graetz
Children 2022, 9(8), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081135 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1181
Abstract
Early childhood caries is a challenge. Early dental screening flanked by multidisciplinary preventions by pediatricians, dentists, and midwives (MWs) may be helpful. New recommendations for dental screening in children (FUs) and fluoride have been introduced in Germany. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.
Early childhood caries is a challenge. Early dental screening flanked by multidisciplinary preventions by pediatricians, dentists, and midwives (MWs) may be helpful. New recommendations for dental screening in children (FUs) and fluoride have been introduced in Germany. The aim of this study was to investigate whether midwives consider FUs useful and implement early childhood caries prevention, as well as fluoride recommendations. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire. Demographic data, including 11 items on early childhood dental prophylaxis and fluoride, were requested. Agreement was recorded using Likert scales. The data were analyzed descriptively. Two hundred and seventeen female MWs participated (age: 44.1 (11.04) years). One hundred and four (47.9%) participants knew about the FUs. Of the MWs, 30.7% found a referral from the first tooth to be very important (important/neutral/unimportant: 27%/27.9%/14.4%), compared with 84.8% for the entire primary dentition (11.8%/2.8%/0.5%). Of the MWs, 41.7% always recommended fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth (often/occasionally/rarely/never: 22.7%/12.4%/7.9%/15.3%) and 48.1% completely rejected fluoride-free toothpaste (always/often/occasionally/rarely: 9.8%/8.9%/17.3%/15.9%). In addition, 54.8% never recommended the use of fluoride tablets (always/often/occasionally/rarely: 9.2%/7.4%/10.2%/18.4%). The FUs are not yet well-known among MWs, and only less than one-third recommended dental check-ups, starting with the first tooth. This contrasts with the high uptake of fluoridated toothpaste. More educational work should be carried out to convince more MWs of the benefits of the FUs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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8 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Life Quality of Children Affected by Cleft Lip Palate and Alveolus (CLPA)
by Marco Pasini, Irene Cagidiaco, Eleonora Fambrini, Marco Miceli and Elisabetta Carli
Children 2022, 9(5), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9050757 - 21 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1913
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life of children and adolescents affected by cleft lip, palate and alveolus (CLPA) in the Italian population after a tailored treatment dental program. A prospective study was conducted with subjects of both [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life of children and adolescents affected by cleft lip, palate and alveolus (CLPA) in the Italian population after a tailored treatment dental program. A prospective study was conducted with subjects of both genders at the University Hospital of Pisa, Italy. This study included 32 patients (11 females and 21 males, mean age: 9.8 ± 2.1 years old) affected by CLPA (test group); a tailored oral hygiene instruction protocol was adopted in the test group since early age (6.1 ± 0.9 years old) after corrective surgery and regular dental hygiene appointments were scheduled. Moreover, a control group of 32 patients (11 females and 21 males, mean age: 10.1 ± 2.2 years old) without CLPA was included; control subjects were first-visit patients, matched for age and sex, who had not received a specific dental hygiene program before. The OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire was applied for the evaluation of the quality of life of patients of both groups and the questions were presented directly to the patients. Moreover, the DMFT (Decayed, Missed and Filled Teeth) index was measured. A statistical analysis was performed and the level of significance was set at: p < 0.05. The OHIP-14 scores presented significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05); the test group exhibited a lower mean OHIP-14 score in comparison to the control group. The DMFT score was significantly lower in the test group in comparison to controls (p: 0.001, p < 0.05). The quality of life and DMFT score of children and adolescents affected by CLPA, after a tailored treatment dental program, were better than that of the subjects of the control group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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Review

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10 pages, 434 KiB  
Review
Treatment of Ankyloglossia: A Review
by Alessandro Frezza, Fatima Ezeddine, Andrea Zuccon, Antonio Gracco, Giovanni Bruno and Alberto De Stefani
Children 2023, 10(11), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111808 - 14 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1564
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this narrative review is to analyze and compare the current scientific evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic lingual frenulum in preschool and school-age children. The treatments considered in this review are traditional surgical therapy, laser-assisted surgical therapy, [...] Read more.
Aim: The aim of this narrative review is to analyze and compare the current scientific evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic lingual frenulum in preschool and school-age children. The treatments considered in this review are traditional surgical therapy, laser-assisted surgical therapy, and functional rehabilitation therapy. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed and PubMed Central search engines, considering articles published in the English language between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2022. The bibliographic search was performed using the following keywords as search strings: “lingual”, “frenulectomy”, “frenulotomy”, “frenulum”, “ankyloglossia”, and “laser.” Results: A total of 14 articles were included in this review, including four prospective observational studies, one case–control study, three cross-sectional studies, four retrospective studies, and one randomized controlled trial. The data extracted from each article are summarized in a table. Conclusions: In the literature, there are still limited studies regarding the treatment of hypertrophic frenulum. No common indications for the treatment of ankyloglossia and universally used classification for lingual frenulum were found. Currently, clinicians prefer the use of a diode laser for treatment. This method offers several advantages over the use of a scalpel blade. Many studies agree on the usefulness of providing patients with myofunctional rehabilitation to improve lingual mobility, both prior to surgical therapy and in the postoperative period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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Other

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10 pages, 5451 KiB  
Case Report
Intercepting of Class III Malocclusion with a Novel Mechanism Built on the Orthopaedic Appliance: A Case Report
by Paolo Manzo, Maria Elena De Felice, Sara Caruso, Roberto Gatto and Silvia Caruso
Children 2022, 9(6), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9060784 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2553
Abstract
Aim: The following case report aims to show a novel orthopaedic appliance to reduce the side effects of the orthopaedic Class III treatment through the use of two acrylic splints combined with a PowerScope device. Materials and Methods: This case report describes the [...] Read more.
Aim: The following case report aims to show a novel orthopaedic appliance to reduce the side effects of the orthopaedic Class III treatment through the use of two acrylic splints combined with a PowerScope device. Materials and Methods: This case report describes the treatment of a 6-year-old patient with a skeletal Class III relationship with a maxillary deficiency and a severe hyperdivergency. The patient underwent a sagittal orthopaedic treatment with a PowerScope device for 12 months. The retention period lasted 4 months. Results: The response of the craniofacial complex to the active orthopaedic treatment of the Class III malocclusion with the PowerScope™ device splints consisted of significant changes in maxillary growth and position. Both angular and linear sagittal measurements of the maxilla showed improvements during active treatment, respectively, of 0.6° and 1.2 mm (SNA from 75.8° to 76.4°; maxillary length from 38.8 mm to 40 mm). These effects allowed for a highly significant improvement in the maxillomandibular skeletal relationships. ANB improved by 1.6° and Wits appraisal by 4 mm. Using this appliance in a hyperdivergent patient, we obtained a vertical control of the mandible with a SN/Go-Gn stable value at 40° and a significant improvement of the ANS-PNS/GoGn angle from 30° to 28°. Conclusion: The Class III orthopaedic treatment with the PowerScope™ telescopic and NiTi spring device mounted on the upper and lower resin splints in a Class III correction offered good vertical control during the early orthopaedic treatment by improving the skeletal discrepancy and controlling the hyperdivergency, which is one of the most difficult factors to control in Class III malocclusions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Early Childhood Oral Health Care)
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