Effects of conventional and orthodontic pacifiers on the dental occlusion of children aged 24-36 months old.

Aim: To investigate the effects of conventional and orthodontic pacifiers on the prevalence of malocclusion (MO) considering frequency, duration, and intensity of the sucking habit.

Design: Data were collected at three time-points: birth, T1; (12-24 months old), T2; (24-36 months old), T3 and were divided into three groups: control (GC; 110), without non-nutritive sucking habits; orthodontic pacifiers (GOrth; 55); conventional pacifiers (GConv; 55). A questionnaire was applied. Clinical examination was performed at T3. The groups were compared as to the prevalence and severity of anterior open bite (AOB), accentuated overjet, anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite (PCB).

Results: The use of pacifiers was associated with occurrence of MO compared to GC (P < 0.05). Frequency, intensity, and duration of pacifier use was also associated with of MO. There was significant difference in the prevalence of MO between GConv and GOrth for AOB (P = 0.027). Only GConv exhibited higher odds of PCB compared to GC (P = 0.040). The prevalence of MO was significantly higher in pacifiers users (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of MO was higher among children who used pacifiers. According to a general trend, the use of conventional pacifiers was associated to severe anterior open bite and overjet.