The bite force and craniofacial morphology in patients with acromegaly: a pilot study
Duygu Karakis1, Banu Aktas-Yilmaz, Arife Dogan
1Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey 06510, dtduygukc@hotmail.com.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|August 30, 2013
Summary
Acromegaly patients exhibit distinct craniofacial changes, particularly in the mandible, but their bite force is similar to healthy individuals. This finding is crucial for dental treatments and prosthetic rehabilitation in acromegaly.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Orthodontics
- Anthropology
Background:
- Acromegaly, a disorder of excess growth hormone, causes characteristic craniofacial morphology changes.
- Understanding these changes is vital for managing the condition and its dental implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bite force and craniofacial morphology in acromegalic patients versus healthy controls.
- To investigate correlations between bite force and craniofacial features in both groups.
Main Methods:
- Maximum bite force measured using a strain-gage transducer.
- Lateral cephalometric X-rays analyzed for linear and angular measurements.
- Comparison between acromegalic patients and a healthy Turkish control group.
Main Results:
- Acromegaly patients displayed altered craniofacial dimensions, including increased face height and ramus length, and a negative difference between maxillary and mandibular protrusions.
- Specific differences noted in females with acromegaly, such as larger lower anterior face height and sella turcica.
- No significant correlation found between cephalometric measurements and bite force in acromegalic patients, unlike in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Mandibular changes are prominent in acromegaly.
- Maximum bite force in acromegalic patients is comparable to healthy individuals.
- The non-significant bite force difference has implications for dental treatment and prosthetic rehabilitation planning for acromegaly patients.
