Craniofacial and Dental Features in Six Children With Cherubism

Cherubism is an autosomal-dominant benign bone disorder, characterized by fibro-osseous lesions in the mandible and maxilla commonly caused by mutations in the SH3-binding protein 2-gene. The purpose of the authors' study was to analyze craniofacial and dental features of children diagnosed with cherubism, describe their treatment, and assess their dental age compared with norms for Finnish children. Six children were diagnosed, followed up and treated due to dental and skeletal disorders caused by cherubsim. The patients were followed up for an average of 91.5 months with emphasis on the skeletal changes and development of dentition. The treatment consisted of minor orthodontic treatment, dental extractions, and exposures. One patient underwent cosmetic mandibular surgery. All patients had lesions in the lower jaw and 5 of 6 patients had lesions in the maxilla as well. The patients were characterized by varying swelling of the jaws, premature loss of deciduous teeth in the affected area and widely spaced, displaced, un-erupted, or absent permanent teeth. The dental age was delayed at younger age but near to normal or even a little ahead at older age. Even though cherubism affects the jaws, jaw positions, and malocclusion, no common dentofacial proportions associated with the disease could be confirmed by cephalometric analysis. The surgical interventions did not provoke adverse reactions or local growth of the lesions.