Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a severe disease of childhood, which comprises a diverse group of distinct clinical entities of unclear aetiology. Some abnormality of the immune system is present in all JIA cases. In its most severe clinical form, JIA may show localised and/or systemic complications, including functional impairment of the affected sites. This may result in variable growth and developmental anomalies. In many JIA cases, where the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is affected, mandibular growth may be restricted, thus leading to the development of mandibular hypoplasia and/or retrognathism. As a result, it is not uncommon for JIA patients to present with skeletal Class II and open bite malocclusions. Furthermore, in JIA cases with unilateral TMJ involvement, craniofacial asymmetry may occur. In such cases, early orthodontic intervention facilitates both the skeletal and the occlusal rehabilitation. Increased prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in JIA cases may be attributed to a combination of aetiological factors, including difficulties in executing good oral hygiene, unfavourable dietary practices and side effects from the long-term administration of medication. In addition, an association between periodontal disease and JIA has been reported based on their similar pattern of clinical disregulation of the inflammatory process. This paper presents a brief description of JIA, with special reference to dental health and orthodontic treatment considerations. In addition, a case is presented where the appropriate orthodontic intervention led to the establishment of a normally functioning, as well as an aesthetically pleasing, occlusion.