Occlusal characteristics and oral health-related quality of life in adults operated due to sagittal synostosis in childhood: a case–control study with 26 years of follow-up

Purpose The aim of this case–control study was to investigate occlusal characteristics, received orthodontic treatment, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and satisfaction with dental esthetics in adults operated due to sagittal synostosis. Methods The study group consisted of 40 adults (25 males, 15 females, mean age 27.4 years, range 18–41) who were operated due to isolated sagittal synostosis in childhood. The control group comprised 40 age and gender-matched adults. Occlusal characteristics were evaluated clinically during study visits. Information on the previous orthodontic treatment was collected from dental records. OHRQoL was measured using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and satisfaction with dental esthetics was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the patient group and the controls in malocclusion traits (overjet, overbite, molar relationships, crossbite, scissor bite), previous orthodontic treatment, pre-treatment malocclusion diagnoses, OHIP variables, or satisfaction with dental esthetics. However, there was a tendency toward increased overjet and overbite in scaphocephalic patients. Conclusion It seems that adults with scaphocephaly operated in childhood do not differ from the average population in terms of occlusion, received orthodontic treatment, or oral health-related well-being.