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Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome is primarily characerized by mental and growth retardation, broad thumbs, and typical facies, but there are also several intra-oral and extra-oral features that often aid in diagnosis. Several
studies and case reports have been conducted to determine the incidence of these features. The extraoral features most commonly associated with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome are a small opening of the mouth, retrognathia or
micrognathia, thin upper lip, pouting lower lip, and mandibular prognathism. Retrognathia is defined as retrusion of the lower jaw, and micrognathia is the unusual smallness of the lower jaw. these may have similar
presentation. Mandibular prognathism refers to an anteiror position of the lower jaw. These findings are found equally in both young children and adults but may appear more pronounced as the patient grows. Of
the most commonly found intra-oral findings, highly arched, narrow palate, crowded teeth, and talon cusps are the most frequently cited. Gingivitis, or inflamed gums, is often found due to difficulties with oral hygiene
associated with crowding, lack of dexterity or learning disabilities. Talon cusps are small projections on the tongue side of the upper or lower front teeth. These are predominantly found in the permanent
dentition. Talon cusps may cause complications such as increased caries rate due to deep grooves, irritation to the tongue side of the upper or lower front teeth. These are predominantly found in the permanent
dentition. Talon cusps may cause complications such as increased caries rate due to deep grooves, irritation to the tongue during speech and mastication, interfere with occlusion and pulp (nerve) exposure due to severe
attrition.
Due to highly arched palate, narrow palate, crossbites are commonly found. A crossbite is defined as any variation from the normal bite where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. This variant from the normal bite
may be found in both the primary and permanent dentitions. A crossbite can be corrected with orthodontics improving function and esthetics as well as possibly preventing future problems related to occlusion.
Crossbite correction may begin at any age but is usually postponed until the child is able to cooperate for treatment. Treatment for patients with profound learning disabilities may be very difficult or even impossible.
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