Determinant factors of malocclusion in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an encephalic static lesion characterized as a nonprogressive disorder of movements and posture with functional deficits that may favor the occurrence of various malocclusions. We looked for a possible association between overall functional impairment and malocclusion in this population.

Seventy patients from the Center of Attendance for Special Needs Patients, ages 6 to 18 years and with a CP diagnosis, were involved in the research. The overall degree of functional impairment was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Classification System, and malocclusion was evaluated with the criteria established by the World Health Organization and selected occlusion characteristics. To test the associations, univariate and multiple logistic Poisson regression analyses were used, and prevalence ratio values were calculated.

Patients with limited or severely limited mobility (Gross Motor Function Classification of 4 or 5) (P = 0.003), parafunctional habits (P = 0.001), and a caregiver who was not the mother had 3 to 4 times more risk for open bite. Patients with dyskinetic CP are 4 times more likely to develop deepbite (P = 0.005).

The results showed that the type of CP, the degree of motor involvement, and the presence of parafunctions are important factors to be considered to establish a correct diagnosis of malocclusion in persons with CP.