The Effect of a Unique Pacifier on Anterior Open Bite and Overjet in the Primary Dentition: A Pilot Study.
OBJECTIVE
Pacifiers are the most common device used by children to satisfy their sucking needs. Because of their design, reports of anterior open bite and increased overjet are common. The purposes of this pilot study were to measure the effects of a unique pacifier in toddlers who have existing open bites and increased overjets; and secondly to determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining toddlers for a six-month study.


METHODS
Toddlers with existing open bite and increased overjet currently using a conventional pacifier were recruited from a university pediatric dental clinic. Baseline information was obtained. Visual examination and intraoral measurements were obtained. The study pacifier was introduced to replace the existing pacifier. Follow-up data was collected at three and six months post-intervention.


RESULTS
Eight of the 11 toddlers (73 percent) completed the study. Recruitment was challenging because of the inclusion criteria and transportation; retaining participants required numerous reminders to parents. There was a significant difference between initial and final open bite and overjet measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible to recruit and retain toddlers but it required significant staff interventions. There was a significant improvement in reducing existing open bite and overjet with the pacifier after six months.
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA. nowak1937@gmail.com.
Arthur J
AJ
Nowak
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Amy S
AS
Kim
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Jo Anna M
JA
Scott
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Joel H
JH
Berg
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000517:prevention & control*; D024343:Open Bite / Q000517:prevention & control*; D041361:Pacifiers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects