Children with an overjet of more than 6 mm have a threefold higher risk of upper incisor injuries than children with a typical overjet. This might be compounded by the avulsion of the permanent incisor and the loss of tooth space. Functional appliances are often utilized to address Class II skeletal patterns and increasing overjet in growing individuals. In the following example, the Twin Block functional appliance was employed, however its traditional form was changed to correct a Class II skeletal condition and create space for a missing maxillary central incisor.

Introduction

Dental trauma accounts for 5% of injuries in children and adolescents. And, whereas 25% of all schoolchildren have had some form of tooth trauma before the age of 19, the younger age group is more likely to suffer from luxation injuries, whereas teenagers suffer from hard tissue injuries. Trauma most commonly affects the upper central incisors, and it has been linked to increased overjet. The injury incidence was 14.2% in children with normal overjet (0-3 mm), 28.4% in children with enhanced overjet (3.1-6 mm), and 38.6% in children with significant overjet (>6 mm). This suggests that children with an overjet of more than 6 mm had a threefold higher risk of upper incisor injuries than children with a typical overjet. Avulsion of permanent incisors accounts for 0.5-3% of all dental injuries and is typically linked with space loss for that tooth. Furthermore, various malocclusion traits such as small maxilla, Class II skeletal pattern, mandibular deficits, and crowding may exacerbate the situation.

Summary

Dental Trauma in Children and Adolescents

• Children with overjet of more than 6 mm have a threefold higher risk of upper incisor injuries.
• This risk is exacerbated by the avulsion of the permanent incisor and loss of tooth space.
• Functional appliances are often used to address Class II skeletal patterns and increasing overjet in growing individuals.
• Trauma accounts for 5% of injuries in children and adolescents, with 25% of schoolchildren having tooth trauma before age 19.
• Trauma most commonly affects the upper central incisors and is linked to increased overjet.
• Avulsion of permanent incisors accounts for 0.5-3% of all dental injuries and is typically linked with space loss for that tooth.
• Malocclusion traits such as small maxilla, Class II skeletal pattern, mandibular deficits, and crowding may exacerbate the situation.