Variation in dentofacial morphology and occlusion in juvenile idiopathic arthritis subjects: a case-control study.

SUMMARY Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can severely disturb facial growth and affect occlusal development. In this case – control study, facial, functional, and occlusal characteristics of 100 JIA patients (35 males and 65 females; age range: 1.7 – 19.4 years) comprising all subtypes classifi ed according to the revised classifi cation criteria of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) were studied. They were compared with a mixed orthodontic control group ( n = 32; 12 males and 20 females) and with a Class II division 1 malocclusion group ( n = 19; eight males and 11 females). The JIA patients and controls were evaluated using clinical assessment, dental pantomograms, lateral cephalograms (LCGs), and dental casts. Compared with the age- and gender-matched mixed orthodontic controls, JIA patients showed a signifi cantly greater prevalence of anterior open bites (AOBs; P < 0.05; Wilcoxon matched pairs test). Cephalometrically, a larger mandibular plane ( P < 0.05) and SNA ( P < 0.001) angles and a smaller interincisal angle ( P < 0.001) were found. In comparison with the Class II division 1 controls, JIA patients showed a larger SNA ( P < 0.001; Wilcoxon matched pairs test) and SNB ( P < 0.05) angles and smaller lower anterior face heights (LAFHs; P < 0.05). No differences were found for the mandibular plane, the gonial and the interincisal angles, or total face height. From this case – control study, it can be concluded that although JIA patients share occlusal characteristics with non-JIA patients with a Class II division 1 malocclusion, they are different with regard to the prevalence of condylar lesions and AOBs, as well as SNA and SNB angles and LAFH.