Functional evaluation in young patients undergoing orthopedical interceptive treatment

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Unilateral posterior crossbite with functional lateral shift affects jaw muscle activity in children.
• Assessing muscle function is crucial for understanding treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate jaw muscle activity using electromyography (EMG) and electrognathography.
• To determine changes before and after rapid palatal expansion (RPE).
• To explore the relationship between muscle activity and RPE outcomes.

Main Methods:

• 71 children (6-10 years) with unilateral posterior crossbite and functional lateral shift were studied.
• EMG and electrognathography assessed anterior temporalis and masseter muscle activity.
• Data collected before RPE (T0), after RPE (T1), and 6 months post-RPE (T2).

Main Results:

• A significant increase in muscle activity index was observed across all muscles from T0 to T2.
• Increased activity was noted in both resting and exercise conditions post-RPE.
• The active phase of RPE led to notable changes in muscle activity.

Conclusions:

• EMG evaluation post-RPE confirms neuromuscular system adaptation to altered occlusion.
• Rapid palatal expansion therapy increased muscular activity and tone.
• This suggests RPE is effective in normalizing jaw muscle function in pediatric patients.