Prevention and Orthodontic Treatment of Malocclusion in Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Dentistry & Oral Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 859

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
Interests: early treatment; impacted canines; clear aligners; class III malocclusion
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Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: early treatment; oro-facial pain; TMDs; orthodontic biomarkers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Malocclusion is a prevalent condition in children that can impact oral health, facial appearance, and psychological behavior. Timely prevention and orthodontic care are essential in managing this issue, as they can help prevent more serious dental problems later on. Preventive strategies along with promoting good oral hygiene are important during childhood. When malocclusion is identified, orthodontic treatment, such as functional appliances, braces, or clear aligners, is often recommended. Early treatment can lead to better results by enhancing both the function and visual alignment of the teeth and jaws. By addressing malocclusion in its early stages, children can reduce the risk of problems like difficulty chewing and speaking and increased susceptibility to tooth decay and gum disease, contributing to improved long-term dental health. We invite original articles, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, umbrella reviews, and observational cohort studies to contribute to this Special Issue.

We are looking forward to receiving your valuable submissions which will advance our knowledge in this field.

Dr. Ludovica Nucci
Dr. Vincenzo Grassia
Dr. Fabrizia d'Apuzzo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • malocclusion
  • early treatment
  • timing
  • orthodontic treatment
  • preventive strategies
  • pediatric dentistry

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 866 KiB  
Article
Orthodontic Management of Class II Malocclusion with Clear Aligners: Mandibular Advancement vs. Class II Elastics
by Elisabetta Cretella Lombardo, Letizia Lugli, Roberta Lione, Patrizio Bollero, Paola Cozza and Chiara Pavoni
Children 2025, 12(5), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12050562 - 26 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: This cephalometric study aimed to evaluate the effects of clear aligner therapy in growing individuals with Class II malocclusion, comparing two functional approaches: the use of Class II elastics or the Mandibular Advancement (MA). Methods: Cephalometric data from 39 patients [...] Read more.
Background: This cephalometric study aimed to evaluate the effects of clear aligner therapy in growing individuals with Class II malocclusion, comparing two functional approaches: the use of Class II elastics or the Mandibular Advancement (MA). Methods: Cephalometric data from 39 patients with Class II malocclusion treated using clear aligners either combined with Class II elastics (EL group; n = 18) or Mandibular Advancement (MA group; n = 21) were analyzed and compared with an untreated control group (UC2; n = 15). Results: Both treatment groups (EL and MA) showed a significant reduction in the ANB angle compared to the control (MA: −1.5°; EL: −2.2°; UC2: +0.2°). An increase in mandibular length, as measured by Co–Gn, was observed in both the EL and MA groups (+5.5 mm and +8.3 mm, respectively) relative to the control group. Soft tissue analysis of the Pg–TVL distance from T1 to T2 revealed the most substantial forward displacement of the chin in the MA group (MA: +2.0 ± 3.7 mm; EL: +0.5 ± 0.7 mm; UC2: −1.6 ± 3.3 mm). Vertically, the MA group exhibited a more marked decrease in the palatal-mandibular plane angle than the other groups. Both treatment modalities significantly reduced overjet and overbite from T1 to T2. Conclusions: The EL and MA appliances effectively advanced the mandible, leading to significant improvements in the sagittal relationship, overjet, and overbite while maintaining stable vertical control. Additionally, the MA group exhibited a more pronounced forward movement of the soft tissue chin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Orthodontic Treatment of Malocclusion in Children)
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17 pages, 598 KiB  
Systematic Review
Obesity and Overweight Conditions in Children and Adolescents (6–18 Years) and Their Impact on Craniofacial Morphology: A Systematic Review
by Alessio Verdecchia, Carlota Suárez-Fernández, Ivan Menéndez Diaz, Veronica García Sanz, Enrico Spinas and Teresa Cobo
Children 2025, 12(3), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12030377 - 18 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity and overweight conditions impact systemic health and craniofacial development. Objectives: This review assessed the influence of elevated body mass index (BMI) on craniofacial morphology, considering age, sex, and ethnicity. Methods: A comprehensive search of Scopus, Web of [...] Read more.
Background: Childhood obesity and overweight conditions impact systemic health and craniofacial development. Objectives: This review assessed the influence of elevated body mass index (BMI) on craniofacial morphology, considering age, sex, and ethnicity. Methods: A comprehensive search of Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and OpenGrey was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Ten cross-sectional studies involving 1383 individuals aged 6 to 18 years were included. The sample comprised 812 females and 571 males, with most studies focusing on adolescents aged 12–18 years of different ethnicities depending on the study. Craniofacial structures were compared between overweight/obese and normal weight groups through cephalometric analysis. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: Overweight and obese individuals showed significant craniofacial changes, including increased anterior cranial base length, maxillary and mandibular dimensions, bimaxillary prognathism, and greater soft tissue thickness. These alterations may be influenced by differences in tissue composition, hormonal fluctuations, fat-to-bone ratio, and metabolic disorders. Variations in skeletal divergence, dental alignment, and airway space were also observed. The methodological quality ranged from moderate to high. Conclusions: Excess weight during growth is linked to distinct craniofacial alterations. Orthodontic diagnostics should integrate metabolic and hormonal considerations to optimize treatment outcomes. These changes should be carefully considered by orthodontists and pediatric dentists. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of obesity on craniofacial development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Orthodontic Treatment of Malocclusion in Children)
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