Could Vitamin D3 Deficiency Influence Malocclusion Development?

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endocrinology
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Abnormal craniofacial bone growth causes skeletal and dental defects, leading to malocclusions.
• The exact causes of malocclusion are not fully understood, but general deficiencies like vitamin D3 (VD3) are implicated.
• Chronic VD3 deficiency can lead to rickets and may contribute to skeletal malocclusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of VD3 deficiency on the development of malocclusions.
• To assess the relationship between VD3 levels and craniofacial skeletal and dental abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Medical interviews and oral examinations.
• Alginate impressions, radiological imaging, and orthodontic assessments.
• Venous blood sampling for 25(OH)D (VD3) level testing.

Main Results:

• Skeletal defects were present in 42.1% of patients, and dentoalveolar malocclusion in 46.5%.
• Transverse constriction of the maxilla with a narrow upper arch was the most common defect (30.7%).
• VD3 deficiency (75.4% of subjects) was associated with increased risk of narrow upper arch (OR=4.94), crowding (OR=4.94), and crossbite (OR=6.16).

Conclusions:

• VD3 deficiency is a significant factor influencing maxillary development.
• A clear link exists between vitamin D3 deficiency and maxillary underdevelopment, contributing to malocclusion.
• Low VD3 levels increase the risk for specific orthodontic issues like narrow arches and crossbites.