Induced Premaxillary Suture Fusion : Class III Malocclusion Model

• Published in: Journal of dental research Vol. 87; no. 9; pp. 856 - 860
• Main Authors: Ruan, W.H., Winger, J.N., Yu, J.C., Borke, J.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SAGE Publications 01.09.2008; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: animal model; Animals; artificial premaxillary suture fusion; class III malocclusion; Cranial Sutures - growth & development; Cranial Sutures - pathology; craniofacial morphology; Craniosynostoses - chemically induced; Craniosynostoses - complications; Craniosynostoses - pathology; Dental Arch - growth & development; Dental Arch - pathology; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Malocclusion, Angle Class III - etiology; Malocclusion, Angle Class III - pathology; Maxilla - growth & development; Maxilla - pathology; Maxillofacial Development; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tissue Adhesives; animal model; craniofacial morphology; class III malocclusion; artificial premaxillary suture fusion
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/154405910808700901

The etiology of class III malocclusion remains unknown. The present study investigates the relationship between craniofacial morphology and premaxillary suture fusion to test the hypothesis that class III malocclusion may be related to premaxillary suture fusion. Cyanoacrylate was applied to immobilize the left premaxillary suture in the experimental group. Sham surgeries in rats were used for controls. Dental impressions and radiographs were taken before and after surgery for comparison of craniofacial differences between groups. Overall cranial base lengths, craniofacial widths, and craniofacial angulations related to the anterior base showed significant differences between groups. At the end of the experiment, the growth of the snout in the experimental group was inhibited and deviated to the treated side, while no obvious change was seen in the control group. The results show that induced premaxillary suture fusion can affect craniofacial morphology and indicate that premature premaxillary suture fusion may result in class III malocclusion.