Application of the MICMAC technique to assess the causes and effects of craniofacial anomalies from a dental perspective

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the development of craniofacial anomalies from a dental perspective. It is a descriptive and analytical study, where a structural analysis is performed using the MICMAC technique (Multiplicative Cross-Impact Matrix Applied to a Classification). As a result of a review of the literature, twelve factors related to this topic were identified, and it is highlighted that malocclusion, abnormal development of the jaws, pernicious oral habits, and dentoalveolar trauma are highly influential and dependent factors. It is concluded that these results offer valuable information to understand the interactions between dental and craniofacial factors that influence abnormal development and that the application of the MICMAC technique was essential to understand the relationships between the identified factors. Although the need for additional research and the focus on personalized treatments is recognized, this study provides a solid basis and a reference for future prevention strategies and clinical approaches to craniofacial anomalies.