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Maxillary expansion therapy in children with Down syndrome
Mercedes Outumuro1, Maria Teresa Abeleira, Flor Caamaño
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, La Coruña, Spain.
Pediatric Dentistry
|April 6, 2011
Summary
Maxillary expander (ME) treatment in children with Down syndrome (DS) shows successful outcomes in most cases. However, DS patients may require slower appliance activation and are more prone to oral ulcers during orthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) presents unique challenges in dental and craniofacial development.
- Maxillary hypoplasia is common in DS, often necessitating orthodontic intervention.
- Maxillary expanders (MEs) are used to address transverse discrepancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of orthodontic treatment using maxillary expanders (MEs) in children with Down syndrome (DS).
- To analyze the activation rate, complications, and success of ME treatment in DS patients compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 32 children with DS undergoing ME treatment was compared to 64 matched controls.
- Variables included prior dental treatment, orthodontic diagnosis, and ME treatment parameters.
- Activation rate, complications (e.g., oral ulcers), and clinical success were assessed.
Main Results:
- Slow ME activation was more frequent in DS patients (28%) than controls (9%).
- Complications, primarily oral ulcers, occurred in 31% of DS patients versus 0% in controls.
- Clinical success rates were 66% for DS patients and 78% for controls.
Conclusions:
- Maxillary expansion is a viable orthodontic treatment for children with DS, achieving success in a significant proportion of cases with careful case selection.
- DS patients may benefit from slower appliance activation and require vigilant monitoring for oral ulceration during ME therapy.
- Despite potential complications, ME treatment can effectively address maxillary hypoplasia in DS.
