TIME OF ERUPTION OF THE PERMANENT TEETH, CEPHALOMETRIC AND TOOTH MEASUREMENT AND SULPHATION FACTOR ACTIVITY IN 45 PATIENTS WITH TURNER'S SYNDROME WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF X CHROMOSOME ABERRATIONS

ABSTRACT The time of eruption of the permanent teeth, the development of the cranial skeleton, and the size of the teeth and dental arches as well as the serum sulphation factor activity were studied in 45 patients with Turner's syndrome with different types of X chromosome aberrations. A tendency to an earlier eruption of the permanent teeth was found. The significance of hormonal factors and of the dysplastic skeletal structure for the eruption of the teeth are discussed. The cephalometric analysis revealed a retarded development of the cranial skeleton. Appositional and sutural growth as well as growth in the condylar cartilage and the spheno-occipital synchondrosis, were affected. The development of the facial skeleton reached a level corresponding to that of 11 year-old girls, while that of the posterior portion of the cranial base did not reach this level. The latter finding may explain the posterior rotation of the facial skeleton in relation to the cranial base. The mesio-distal width of the permanent teeth was smaller than normal, and the frequency of root resorptions of the idiopathic type was increased in the patients. The space and space differences of the dental arches were normal. The mean level of the serum sulphation factor activity was increased. It seems likely that the abnormal X chromosome constitutions form the background to the changes in the hard tissues and that these tissue changes may be of major significance for the disturbed development of the teeth and skeleton in patients with Turner's syndrome.