Children with reduced somatic growth may present various endocrinal diseases, especially growth hormone deficiency (GHD), idiopathic short stature (ISS), chromosomal aberrations, or genetic disorders. In an attempt to normalize the short stature, growth hormone (GH) is administered to these children. The aim of this literature review was to collect information about the craniofacial morphology and dental maturity in these children and to present the existing knowledge on the effect of GH treatment on the above structures. This review demonstrated that regardless of the origin of the somatic growth retardation, these children show similar craniofacial features, such as short length of the cranial base and the mandible, increased lower facial height, retropositioned mandible, and obtuse gonion angle. On the other hand, dental maturation does not demonstrate a specific pattern. Except for the above findings, muscle alterations seem to be present in individuals with short stature, who present low body muscle mass and strength, while studies on their craniofacial muscles seem to be lacking. After GH administration, the exact amount and pattern of craniofacial growth is unpredictable; however, the facial convexity decreases, mandibular length increases, and posterior facial height increases, while tooth eruption remains unaffected. Thus, it is of great importance to gain more insight into the craniofacial growth of treated and untreated children with reduced somatic growth so that the influence of GH therapy on the various craniofacial structures could be ascertained and proper orthodontic treatment could be selected.

(1) Background: For non-growing patients with marked transverse maxillary deficiency, bone-borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) has been proposed as an effective treatment option. Objective: To evaluate the dental, skeletal, and soft tissue changes following bone-borne SARME. (2) Methods: An unrestricted systematic electronic search of six databases, supplemented by manual searches, was performed up to April 2023. The eligibility criteria included prospective/retrospective clinical studies with outcomes pertaining to objective measurements of dental/skeletal/soft tissue effects of bone-borne SARME in healthy patients. (3) Results: Overall, 27 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias of the non-randomized trials ranged between moderate (20) and serious (4). For the two RCTs, there were some concerns of bias. Trials with outcomes measured at the same landmarks within the scope of the prespecified timeframe were deemed eligible for quantitative synthesis. Eventually, five trials were included in the meta-analysis. SARME was associated with a statistically significant lengthening of the dental arch perimeter immediately after expansion, along with a marginally significant decrease in palatal depth during the post-SARME retention period. Post-treatment SNA values exhibited no statistically significant change. (4) Conclusion: Current evidence indicates that bone-borne SARME constitutes an effective treatment option for adult patients with maxillary transverse deficiency. Further long-term randomized clinical trials with robust methodology, large sample sizes, and 3D evaluation of the outcomes are needed.

Objectives: The aim of this review was to identify genes and genetic traits that cause tooth impaction by systematically collecting the best available evidence. Materials and methods: Relevant literature was searched on 10 databases up to March 2025 and search criteria were formulated using the PECOS and PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria included case–control, cohort and cross-sectional observational studies, which examined human subjects regardless of age or sex and focused on the analysis of genes, alleles, gene variants, non-coding RNAs, or other genetic factors that cause tooth impaction. The risk of bias of eligible studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists. Results: Overall, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several important genes were highlighted and mutations and polymorphism in these genes showed an increase in the risk of tooth impaction. Specifically, MSX1 rs12532, PAX9 rs4904210 and rs2073247, AXIN2 rs2240308, as well as MSX2 rs4868444 and ARNT2 rs140220410 revealed significant association with canine, third molar or general tooth impaction. Synergistic effects of some gene genotypes were also addressed. The third molar impaction was associated with specific long non-coding RNAs of the corresponding dental follicles, and with the individual’s blood group. According to the JBI checklist, the studies showed high methodological quality. Conclusion: Three key genes, namely MSX1, PAX9 and AXIN2, appear to have an important role in tooth impaction. Moreover, limited evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs and the type of individual’s blood group could be potential biomarkers of tooth impaction. However, the contradictory results from the included studies reduce the certainty of any solid conclusions. Additional studies with large samples involving advanced methodologies for genetic testing are essential to pinpoint the underlying genetic factors of tooth impaction. Clinical relevance: Understanding the genetic factors and specific mutations behind tooth impaction, may enhance early diagnosis, prevention of impaction and treatment.