Why is it important for dentists and orthodontists to be aware of Marfan syndrome?
Many people with Marfan syndrome do not know that they have the disorder, but they may be visiting a dentist or orthodontist for treatment of the specific dental aspects. In these cases, it is important for the dentist or orthodontist to combine their observation of the face and mouth with their knowledge of other outward physical signs of Marfan syndrome and, to refer a suspicious patient to appropriate specialists for further evaluation. It is also important for dentists and orthodontists to be aware of these characteristics because they can play an important role in diagnosing a related Marfan disorder called Loeys-Dietz syndrome which was recently identified. If, when examining a patient a dentist or orthodontist notices a bifid uvula (the tissue hanging down in the middle of the throat that has two or more lobes instead of one), refer the patient to a cardiologist for evaluation for Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS). LDS has some overlapping characteristics with Marfan syndrome. However,
