Characterization of dental phenotype in patients with cleidocranial dysplasia using longitudinal data.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics of the dental phenotype in patients with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) using longitudinal data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve unrelated Korean CCD patients were observed using a longitudinal series of radiographs and clinical photographs. Statistical analysis was performed on the dental phenotypic data.

RESULTS

Although dysplasia of the clavicles, open fontanelle, and wormian bone were observed in all 12 patients, delayed fusion of the mandibular symphysis was found in four patients. One patient did not have a supernumerary tooth (ST). However, 62 STs were found in 11 patients (mean, 5.6 per patient; range of ST emergence, 5 years 6 months-14 years 8 months; developing position, occlusal to the permanent incisors, canines, and premolars and distal and apical to the permanent molars). The mandibular premolar region was the most frequent area of ST development (50.0%, P < .001). All 12 patients showed impacted permanent teeth (IPT), including one patient without ST (mean, 17.8 per patient). Impaction occurred most frequently in the mandibular premolar region and least frequently in the maxillary molar region (93.8% vs 39.6%, P < .01). The ratio of spontaneous eruption of IPT after removal of retained deciduous teeth and/or ST was highest for the maxillary and mandibular incisors (all 54.6%) and lowest for the mandibular canines and premolars (26.7% and 28.9%, respectively); however, the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The emergence time and development position of ST and the root development of IPT should be considered to determine the timing for the removal of ST and forced eruption of IPT.