Comparative 3D study of dental arches in children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome, orofacial cleft

IntroductionThe dentist participates in the treatment protocol for craniofacial anomalies in individuals from the first months of life. Objectiveto compare in a retrospective cohort study the morphometry of the edentulous palate of children microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), unilateral complete cleft lip and alveolus (UCL), and without craniofacial anomalies. MethodsForty-five digitized dental molds composed the sample divided into three groups: CZS; UCL; and without craniofacial anomalies (control group). The following measurements were evaluated: intercanine and intertuberosity distances; dental arch length, area, volume, and mismatch superimposition. Parametric and non-parametric tests were applied (alpha = 5%). ResultsCZS group showed the smallest means of intercanine distance and area than those of the other groups (p = .001 and p = .010, respectively). The dental arch length was greater in the CZS group than in the control group (p = .020). The evaluation of the mismatch superimposition showed that the CZS group had the lowest means of maximum distance and root mean square than that of the UCL group (p = .025 and p = .005, respectively). ConclusionCZS participants tended to palatal narrowing, while UCL individuals had parameters similar to those of the control group, despite the alveolus defect.

Automated summary

This study compared the morphometry of the edentulous palate in children with CZS, UCL, and without craniofacial anomalies. The results showed that the CZS group had smaller intercanine distance and area, but greater dental arch length compared to the other groups. The UCL group had parameters similar to those of the control group.