Endocrinopathies and craniofacial dysmorphia: what can the orthodontist learn? First part

The role of hormonal factors and genes in the process of skeletal growth and maturation is all-important. Their contribution to odontogenetic mechanisms as well as to the regulation of the phosphocalcic metabolism accounts for the frequent occurrence of dento-maxillo-facial problems during endocrinal disorders. The craniofacial repercussions of endocrinal disorders occurring in the setting of genetic anomalies are presented first. Some of the syndromes dealt with, for instance, Turner's syndrome, are already well-known to orthodontists; others are less familiar, such as the NEM 2B syndrome, the early expressions of which are orolingual, thus making the dental surgeon or orthodontist the first practitioner to diagnose it. We go on to investigate the craniofacial and oral manifestations of acquired endocrinopathies. This study can benefit orthodontists by enabling them to recognize the clinical signs associated with the majority of endocrinal disorders in order to refer these young patients to a specialist if the diagnosis has not been established or to take these anomalies into account in their own orthodontic or orthopedic diagnosis and treatment plan. Improved orthodontic and medical knowledge, through "interdisciplinary cross-fertilization", will help establish the medical history, refine diagnosis and adapt treatment.