Orofacial characteristics of adolescents with diagnosed spinal disorders

The objective of the current epidemiological study is to show the correlation of various postural abnormalities and spinal deformities and the clinically identifiable dentofacial anomalies by orthodontic examination. Twenty-three children with Scheuermann's disease [mean age: 14 years 8 months; standard deviation (SD): 1 year 8 months] and 28 with scoliosis (mean age: 14 years 7 months; SD: 2 years 3 months) participated in the study. Standardized orthodontic screening protocols were used to map the occlusal relations in the sagittal, vertical, and horizontal dimensions; the space relations of the maxillary and mandibular frontal segment; the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) status; and the facial asymmetries. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the values of the examined groups of patients for the following measurements: incisal overjet and overbite, upper and lower midline deviation, mandibular frontal spacing, TMJ pathological symptoms and functional characteristics, and frequency of facial asymmetries. A large percentage of patients with pre-pubertal developments of spinal deformities have various dentofacial anomalies. The majority of these anomalies are present in patients with Scheuermann's disease. Early treatment of the malocclusions closely correlated to postural disorders should minimize the progression of the dentofacial anomalies, making necessary performing orthodontic screening of these patients as early as possible.