Enhancing cognition and well-being by treating the malocclusion unilateral posterior crossbite: preliminary evidence by a single case study

Laura Mandolesi; Noemi Passarello; Eillyn Leiva Ramirez; Deny Menghini; Patrizia Turriziani; Teresa Vallelonga; Francesco Aristei; Angela Galeotti; Stefano Vicari; Vito Crincoli; Maria Grazia Piancino; Laura Mandolesi; Noemi Passarello; Eillyn Leiva Ramirez; Deny Menghini; Patrizia Turriziani; Teresa Vallelonga; Francesco Aristei; Angela Galeotti; Stefano Vicari; Vito Crincoli; Maria Grazia Piancino

doi:10.3934/Neuroscience.2025007

AIMS Neuroscience

2025, Volume 12, Issue 2: 95-112. doi: 10.3934/Neuroscience.2025007

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Case report

Enhancing cognition and well-being by treating the malocclusion unilateral posterior crossbite: preliminary evidence by a single case study

1.
General and Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico” II, Naples, Italy
2.
Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
3.
Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
4.
Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
5.
Orthodontic Private practice, Koelliker Hospital and Nursing Home, Turin, Italy
6.
Dentistry Unit, Management Innovations, Diagnostics and Clinical Pathways, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
7.
Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
8.
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

Received: 21 January 2025 Revised: 08 April 2025 Accepted: 15 April 2025 Published: 25 April 2025

Scientific investigations have increasingly revealed the intricate connection between masticatory function and cognitive functioning, as well as psychological well-being. Addressing malocclusions, such as the common unilateral posterior crossbite, during early developmental stages, emerges as an effective strategy for gaining health. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of treating unilateral posterior crossbite by utilizing a function generating bite (FGB) appliance in a 12-year-old child, focusing on its impact on specific cognitive domains. Through meticulous pre- and post-treatment assessments, encompassing global cognitive activity (Colored Progressive Matrices), verbal and spatial working memory (Digit Span and Corsi Block-Tapping Test), and graphic fluency (modified Five Points Test), this research aims to elucidate the cognitive benefits associated with FGB treatment. Results unveil that a mere seven-month application of FGB effectively rectified the malocclusion while concurrently yielding notable improvements in the cognitive abilities under scrutiny. Additionally, post-treatment observations revealed enhanced well-being and sleep quality, further emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of such interventions. Although this study presents findings from a singular case, it serves as a catalyst for further exploration into the intricate interplay between masticatory function and cognitive performance. Such endeavors are vital for advancing holistic healthcare practices that integrate dental care with cognitive and psychological considerations, thereby fostering comprehensive well-being and optimal development.
- mastication,
- spatial abilities,
- memory,
- graphic fluency,
- children
Citation: Laura Mandolesi, Noemi Passarello, Eillyn Leiva Ramirez, Deny Menghini, Patrizia Turriziani, Teresa Vallelonga, Francesco Aristei, Angela Galeotti, Stefano Vicari, Vito Crincoli, Maria Grazia Piancino. Enhancing cognition and well-being by treating the malocclusion unilateral posterior crossbite: preliminary evidence by a single case study[J]. AIMS Neuroscience, 2025, 12(2): 95-112. doi: 10.3934/Neuroscience.2025007

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Abstract

Scientific investigations have increasingly revealed the intricate connection between masticatory function and cognitive functioning, as well as psychological well-being. Addressing malocclusions, such as the common unilateral posterior crossbite, during early developmental stages, emerges as an effective strategy for gaining health. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of treating unilateral posterior crossbite by utilizing a function generating bite (FGB) appliance in a 12-year-old child, focusing on its impact on specific cognitive domains. Through meticulous pre- and post-treatment assessments, encompassing global cognitive activity (Colored Progressive Matrices), verbal and spatial working memory (Digit Span and Corsi Block-Tapping Test), and graphic fluency (modified Five Points Test), this research aims to elucidate the cognitive benefits associated with FGB treatment. Results unveil that a mere seven-month application of FGB effectively rectified the malocclusion while concurrently yielding notable improvements in the cognitive abilities under scrutiny. Additionally, post-treatment observations revealed enhanced well-being and sleep quality, further emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of such interventions. Although this study presents findings from a singular case, it serves as a catalyst for further exploration into the intricate interplay between masticatory function and cognitive performance. Such endeavors are vital for advancing holistic healthcare practices that integrate dental care with cognitive and psychological considerations, thereby fostering comprehensive well-being and optimal development.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by funding from the Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II” (Fondi di ricerca dipartimentale individuale e collettiva 2025) to L.M and partially funded in part by the Italian Ministry for Education, University of Turin and Research, ex60% 2023 to M.G.P.

Conflict of interest

Laura Mandolesi is an editorial board member for AIMS Neurosience and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. All authors declare that there are no competing interests.

Authors' contribution

Conceptualization: MGP-LM; Data curation: NP-ELR; Formal analysis: NP-ELR-DM; Funding acquisition: MGP; Investigation: ELR-NP-DM-PT-TV-VC; Methodology: ELR-NP-DM-PT-FA-TV-VC; Writing- original draft: LM-NP-ELR-MGP; Writing- review and editing: All authors. The final manuscript was approved by all authors.

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