[Occurrence of muscle contraction headache in children with abnormal incisor occlusion]

The principal result of the investigation indicates that children with abnormal incisor occlusion must be regarded as a risk group concerning muscle contraction headache (MCH). The need for orthodontic treatment of children with abnormal incisor occlusion is usually by layman regarded as being based upon psychosocial considerations. These considerations shall not be underestimated. For children as well as for grown up persons an appearance dominated by a visible abnormal incisor occlusion will be loading in contact with other people. From a professional point of view need for orthodontic treatment of children with abnormal incisor occlusion has usually been defined from the demand for stability. Grown up people with abnormal incisor relations are frequently referred to orthodontic specialists because of problems, such as migration of the incisors, extreme attrition or functional disturbances in the masticatory system. These problems are closely related to the abnormal incisor occlusion. With our present knowledge of the importance of the incisor relation for the function of the masticatory system, this condition must have high priority in the evaluation of need for orthodontic treatment of children. The treatment will, by improving the functional condition of the masticatory system and normalizing the function, have importance as prophylaxis and/or early treatment of a risk group concerning muscle contraction headache.