Malocclusion traits and oral health-related quality of life in children with osteogenesis imperfecta: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of malocclusion is higher among people with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) than the general population, and treatment options are limited due to the weak structure of bones and teeth. Focusing on those malocclusion traits that might have a high impact on a patient's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is warranted.

METHODS: A total of 138 children and adolescents with OI were examined for malocclusion traits. OHRQoL was measured using age-specific versions (8 through 10 years and 11 through 14 years) of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ), considering the following domains: oral symptoms, functional limitation, emotional well-being, and social well-being. Higher scores implied worse OHRQoL. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate the association between malocclusion traits and OHRQoL.

RESULTS: Among children aged 8 through 10 years (n = 56), the CPQ and its constituent domain scores were relatively similar between those with malocclusion (higher scores) and those without. In the adolescent (n = 82) group aged 11 through 14 years; however, those with posterior crossbite (odds ratio, 5.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.40 to 12.41) or open bite (odds ratio, 3.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 10.23) experienced statistically significantly higher degrees of functional limitations (a higher functional limitation score) than those without.

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with OI and posterior open bites or crossbites have substantial self-reported functional limitations and worse oral symptoms, which warrants additional investigation and therapeutic trials in an attempt to improve the malocclusion. In addition, the authors found that the CPQ can be a useful tool in a clinical trial of orthodontic interventions in OI.