Effect of a thin-neck pacifier on primary dentition: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Development

Background:

• Pacifier use is common in infants and can lead to dental anomalies.
• Anterior open bite (AOB) and increased overjet are prevalent issues associated with pacifier use.
• Previous interventions have focused on pacifier weaning, with varying success rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a thin-neck pacifier (TNP) in correcting pacifier-associated anterior open bite (AOB) and increased overjet in primary dentition.
• To compare the occlusal changes in children using TNPs with those using conventional pacifiers or undergoing pacifier weaning.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 86 children (mean age 20.3 months) diagnosed with AOB or overjet ≥2 mm.
• Participants were assigned to three groups: TNP use, conventional pacifier use, or pacifier weaning.
• Occlusal characteristics were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months by a blinded operator.

Main Results:

• After 12 months, significant differences in mean overjet and AOB were observed between the groups.
• Children using TNPs showed significantly better outcomes in overjet and AOB compared to those using conventional pacifiers.
• The TNP group demonstrated a mean overjet of 2.7 ± 0.5 mm and AOB of -1.2 ± 0.3 mm, compared to 3.2 ± 0.7 mm and -2.2 ± 0.3 mm for the conventional pacifier group.

Conclusions:

• The introduction of a thin-neck pacifier (TNP) is an effective intervention for managing anterior open bite and increased overjet in young children.
• TNP use resulted in superior clinical measurements for overjet and overbite compared to the continued use of conventional pacifiers.
• This study suggests TNPs as a viable alternative to pacifier weaning for improving occlusal outcomes in affected children.