Orthodontic and orthopedic management of dentofacial deformity from juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic literature review

Background An update on the knowledge regarding the orthopedic/orthodontic role in treating JIA-related dentofacial deformities is relevant.Objectives This systematic review aimed to assess the level of evidence regarding the management of dentofacial deformity from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with orthodontics and/or dentofacial orthopedics.Search methods The following databases were searched without time or language restrictions up to 31 January 2024 (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature).Selection criteria Inclusion criteria were studies dealing with JIA subjects receiving treatment with orthodontic and/or dentofacial orthopedic functional appliances.Data collection and analysis After the removal of duplicate studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to ROBINS-I guidelines were conducted. Data extraction was conducted by two independent authors.Results The electronic database search identified 397 eligible articles after the removal of duplicates. Following the application of the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were left for inclusion. Two trials were associated with a severe risk of bias, four trials were at moderate risk of bias, and the other five presented a low risk of bias. Various research groups employed and documented the effects of different types of appliances and methodologies. The study heterogeneity did not allow for meta-analyses. In addition, a lack of uniformity in treatment objectives was observed across the included studies. After treatment with dentofacial orthopedics skeletal improvement was demonstrated in 10 studies, and a decrease in orofacial signs and symptoms was reported in 7 studies.Conclusions Across the available literature, there is minor evidence to suggest that dentofacial orthopedics may be beneficial in the management of dentofacial deformities from JIA. There is little evidence to suggest that it can reduce orofacial signs and symptoms in patients with JIA. Based on current evidence, it is not possible to outline clinical recommendations for specific aspects of orthopedic management in growing subjects with JIA-related dentofacial deformity.Registration PROSPERO (CRD42023390746).