The influence of orofacial functions on sagittal growth and development of occlusion

Introduction. Orthodontics experience has shown that dental compensation of some skeletal irregularities is under the positive influence of external factors. During sagittal development of cranial base and dental arches, they can be placed in relationship of I, II or III skeletal and dentoalveolar class. Malocclusion may be caused by a skeletal irregularity. Despite that, normal occlusion can be achieved by dentoalveolar compensation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of orofacial functions on maxillary and mandibular growth, as well as occlusion development in sagittal plane. Material and method. This study consisted of 60 male and female adolescents (average age 15.9). Types of respiration and deglutition were clinically determined. Molar relation and length of dental arch were evaluated from study models. On the lateral cephalograms the following parameters were measured: angles SNA, SNB, ANB, I/SpP and i/MP. Results showed that 78.8% of patients with regular orofacial functions and 11.1% of patients with irregular functions had developed molar class I. Patients with skeletal Class I and Class III and irregular orofacial functions, had protrusion of upper incisors in 88.9% (I) and 80% (III) and high length of maxillary dental arches in 58.8% (I) and 70%(III). Conclusion. There is relationship between orofacial functions and dental compensation of sagittal skeletal irregularities.