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Cerebral palsy are found as a result of these disorders, along with associated neuromuscular functional alterations
that affect the resting position of the head. In this context, the resting position of the head could be responsible for
several skeletal and dental occlusal disorders among patients with cerebral palsy.
Objective: To assess the presence of malocclusions in patients with cerebral palsy, define the most frequent types
of malocclusions, and evaluate how the resting position of the head may be implicated in the development of such
malocclusions.
Study design: Forty-four patients aged between 12-55 years (18 males and 26 females) were studied. Occlusal conditions,
the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), changes in the resting position of the head, and breathing and swallowing
functions were assessed.
Results: Orthodontic treatment was required by 70.8% of the patients, the most frequent malocclusions being molar
class II, open bite and high overjet. These individuals showed altered breathing and swallowing functions, as well
as habit and postural disorders. The resting position of the head, especially the hyperextended presentation, was
significantly correlated to high DAI scores.
Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that patients with cerebral palsy are more susceptible to present malocclusions,
particularly molar class II malocclusion, increased open bite, and high overjet. Such alterations in turn are
more common in patients with a hyperextended position of the head.
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