ORTHODONTIC EVALUATION AND CRANIOFACIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A PATIENT WITH DUBOWITZ SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

This case report presents the orthodontic evaluation and treatment planning of a patient with Dubowitz syndrome, an autosomal recessive inherited and rare genetic disorder characterized by microcephaly, growth retardation, high sloping forehead, facial asymmetry, micrognathia, deep palate, blepharophimosis, sparse hair and eyebrows, low ear and mental retardation. The male patient, with a chronological age of 8 years and 2 days, was referred to our clinic due to severe overjet and mandibular retrognathia. Radiographic and clinical evaluations revealed deep palate, narrowness of maxillary and mandibular arches, mandibular micrognathia, speech difficulties and mixed breathing. The patient's treatment planning was aimed at function and phonation and included the use of a twin block appliance with expansion screw in both parts and simultaneous use of occipital headgear (350 g force on one side). It was aimed to positively direct the growth in the craniofacial structure by making use of the continuation of the patient's growth and development period, and to prevent interventions such as surgical-assisted rapid maxillary expansion and orthognathic surgery, which are invasive approaches in adulthood.