Treatment effects and lip profile changes following premolars extraction treatment vs fixed functional treatment in Class II division 1 malocclusion: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the treatment effects and lip profile changes in skeletal Class II patients subjected to premolars extraction treatment versus fixed functional treatment. Methods: Forty six subjects fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomly distributed into Group PE (mean age 13.03±1.78 years) and Group FF (mean age 12.80±1.67 years) (n=23 each). Group PE was managed by therapeutic extraction of maxillary first premolars and mandibular second premolars, followed by mini-implant-supported space closure; and Group FF, by fixed functional appliance therapy. Skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue changes were analyzed using pre and post-treatment lateral cephalograms. Data obtained from this open label study was subjected to blind statistical analysis. Results: Extraction treatment resulted in greater increase of nasolabial angle (NLA: 3.1 [95% CI 2.08, 4.19], p<0.001), significant improvement of upper lip (UL-E line: -2.91 [95% CI -3.54, -2.28], p<0.001, UL-S line: -2.50 [95% CI -2.76, -2.24], p<0.001, UL-SnPog': -2.32 [95% CI -2.90, -1.74], p<0.01) and lower lip position (LL-E line: -0.68 [95% CI -1.36, 0.00], p<0.01, LL-S line: -0.55 [95% CI -1.11, 0.02], p<0.01, and LL-SnPog': -0.64 [95% CI -1.20, -0.07], p<0.01), lip thickness (UL thickness: 2.27 [95% CI 1.79, 2.75], p<0.001; LL thickness: 0.41 [95% CI -0.16, 0.97], p<0.01), upper lip strain (UL strain: -2.68 [95% CI -3.32, -2.04], p<0.001) and soft tissue profile (N'-Sn-Pog': 2.68 [95% CI 1.87, 3.50], p<0.01). No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding skeletal changes in the maxilla and mandible, growth pattern, overjet, overbite, interincisal angle and soft tissue chin position (p>0.05). Premolar extraction treatment demonstrated significant intrusion-retraction of maxillary incisors, better maintenance of maxillary incisor inclination, and significant mandibular molar protraction; whereas functional treatment resulted in retrusive and intrusive effect on maxillary molars, marked proclination of mandibular anterior teeth, and significant extrusion of mandibular molars. Both treatment modalities had similar treatment duration. Implant failure was seen in 7.9% of cases, whereas failure of fixed functional appliance was observed in 9.09% of cases. Conclusions: Premolar extraction therapy is a better treatment modality, compared to fixed functional appliance therapy for Class II patients with moderate skeletal discrepancy, increased overjet, protruded maxillary incisors and protruded lips, as it produces better dentoalveolar response and permits greater improvement of the soft tissue profile and lip relationship.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo randomizado controlado paralelo de dois braços foi avaliar os efeitos do tratamento e as mudanças no perfil labial em pacientes esqueléticos Classe II submetidos a tratamento com extração de pré-molares (EP) versus tratamento funcional fixo (FF). Métodos: Quarenta e seis indivíduos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em Grupo EP (idade média 13,03±1,78 anos) e Grupo FF (idade média 12,80±1,67 anos) (n=23 cada). O grupo EP foi tratado com extração dos primeiros pré-molares superiores e segundos pré-molares inferiores, seguida de fechamento do espaço com ancoragem em mini-implantes; e o Grupo FF, com tratamento usando aparelhos funcionais fixos. As alterações esqueléticas, dentárias e de tecidos moles foram analisadas usando cefalogramas laterais pré e pós-tratamento. Os dados obtidos desse estudo aberto foram submetidos a análise estatística cega. Resultados: O tratamento com extrações resultou em maior aumento do ângulo nasolabial (ANL: 3,1 [IC 95% 2,08, 4,19], p<0,001), melhora significativa do lábio superior (Ls-Linha E: -2,91 [IC 95% -3,54, -2,28], p<0,001, Ls-Linha S: -2,50 [IC 95% -2,76, -2,24], p<0,001, Ls-SnPog': -2,32 [IC 95% -2,90, -1,74], p<0,01) e posição do lábio inferior (Li-Linha E: -0,68 [IC 95% -1,36, 0,00], p<0,01, Li-Linha S: -0,55 [IC 95% -1,11, 0,02], p<0,01, e Li-SnPog': -0,64 [IC 95% -1,20, -0,07], p<0,01), espessura dos lábios (espessura Ls: 2,27 [IC 95% 1,79, 2,75], p<0,001; espessura Li: 0,41 [IC 95% -0,16, 0,97], p<0,01), tensão do lábio superior (tensão Ls: -2,68 [IC 95% -3,32, -2,04], p<0,001) e perfil de tecidos moles (N'-Sn-Pog': 2,68 [IC 95% 1,87, 3,50], p<0,01). Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada entre os grupos quanto às alterações esqueléticas na maxila e mandíbula, padrão de crescimento, sobressaliência, sobremordida, ângulo interincisal e posição dos tecidos moles do mento (p>0,05). O tratamento com extração de pré-molares demonstrou significativa intrusão-retração dos incisivos superiores, melhor manutenção da inclinação dos incisivos superiores e protração significativa dos molares inferiores; enquanto o tratamento funcional resultou em efeito retrusivo e intrusivo nos molares superiores, proclinação acentuada dos dentes anteriores inferiores e extrusão significativa dos molares inferiores. Ambas as modalidades de tratamento tiveram duração de tratamento semelhante. A falha do mini-implante foi observada em 7,9% dos casos, enquanto a falha do aparelho funcional fixo foi observada em 9,09% dos casos. Conclusões: O tratamento com extração de pré-molares é uma modalidade de tratamento melhor do que os aparelhos funcionais fixos para pacientes Classe II com discrepância esquelética moderada, sobressaliência aumentada, incisivos superiores protruídos e lábios protruídos, pois produz melhor resposta dentoalveolar e permite maior melhora do perfil dos tecidos moles e relacionamento labial.

Skeletal Class II Malocclusion Treatment with Combined Twin Block and Lip Bumper Appliances: A Case Report

ABSTRACT@#Functional appliances have been used over a century in clinical orthodontic treatments for skeletal Class II malocclusion patients. Its popularity is attributed to its high patient adaptability and ability to produce rapid treatment changes. The twin block and lip bumper can be combined depending on the patient’s cases. The purpose of therapy with twin block is effective in mandibular growth deficiencies to induce supplementary lengthening of mandibular by stimulating increased growth at the condylar cartilage. The patient was a ten-year-old male patient with skeletal Class II malocclusion. He had a convex facial profile, SNA (sella, nasion, A point) angle of 77.5°, SNB (sella, nasion, B point) angle of 73.0°, ANB (A point, nasion, B point) angle of 4.5°, overjet of 6.5 mm, overbite of 11/41 = 5.0 mm, 21/31 = 4.5 mm, abnormal upper labial frenulum, crossbite in the second left premolar of maxilla, crowded anterior teeth of mandibular, deficiency of mandibular growth, lower lip sucking habit, anterior teeth of maxilla with diastema and proclination. Orthodontic treatment for patient is a combination of twin block and lip bumper appliances. After seven months, frenectomy is used to eliminate and correct the spacing in the frenulum. After 10 months, the patient’s skeletal and profile had improved to skeletal Class I malocclusion, SNA angle of 78.0°, SNB angle of 75.0°, ANB angle of 3.0°, overbite and overjet of 4.0 mm, and the lower lip sucking habit had stopped. Twin block and lip bumper appliances are particularly good alternative treatment in managing selected cases of skeletal Class II malocclusion.

Complications encountered during Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fixed functional appliances are non-compliant solutions to Class II malocclusion treatment. The clinician, however, should be careful of unexpected complications during the therapy. Methods: 58 female adolescents who presented with Class II malocclusion due to deficient mandible were treated with Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FFRD) therapy until an overcorrection to an edge to edge incisor relationship was achieved. Results: Incisor relationship and overjet were corrected successfully in all the subjects. Twenty-two patients had a complications-free treatment, while several complications were encountered with the remaining 36 subjects. In particular, mandibular canine rotation and development of posterior crossbites were the most common complications, with percentages of 51.7% and 25.9% respectively. Other complications included the breakage and shearing of the extraoral tubes of the first molar bands, and excessive intrusion of the upper first molars. Conclusions: FFRD is an efficient appliance for treatment of Class II malocclusion; however, different complications were encountered during the appliance therapy. A focus on taking precautions and applying preventive measures can help to avoid such problems, reducing the number of emergency appointments and enhancing the treatment experience with the appliance.

RESUMO Introdução: Os aparelhos funcionais fixos são uma solução para o tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II em pacientes não colaboradores. Porém, o ortodontista deve estar ciente das complicações inesperadas decorrentes do seu uso. Métodos: Cinquenta e oito pacientes adolescentes do sexo feminino com má oclusão de Classe II por deficiência mandibular foram tratadas com o aparelho Forsus FRD até se alcançar uma sobrecorreção, com relação de topo a topo dos incisivos. Resultados: A relação entre os incisivos e a sobressaliência foram corrigidas com sucesso em todas as pacientes. Vinte e duas pacientes não apresentaram complicações durante o tratamento, enquanto as demais trinta e seis pacientes apresentaram diferentes complicações. As complicações mais comuns foram a rotação do canino inferior e o desenvolvimento de mordida cruzada posterior, com prevalência de 51,7% e 25,9%, respectivamente. As demais complicações incluíram quebra e cisalhamento dos tubos extrabucais das bandas dos primeiros molares, e intrusão excessiva dos primeiros molares superiores. Conclusões: O FRD é um aparelho eficiente para o tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II. No entanto, diferentes complicações foram encontradas durante o uso desse aparelho. O foco na tomada de precauções e em medidas preventivas pode ajudar a evitar tais complicações, reduzindo o número de consultas de emergência e melhorando a experiência do paciente no tratamento com esse aparelho.

Twenty-year clinical experience with fixed functional appliances

ABSTRACT Introduction: Considering the large number of fixed functional appliances, choosing the best device for your patient is not an easy task. Objective: To describe the development of fixed functional appliances as well as our 20-year experience working with them. Methods: Fixed functional appliances are grouped into flexible, rigid and hybrid. They are different appliances, whose action is described here. Four clinical cases will be reported with a view to illustrating the different appliances. Conclusions: Rigid fixed functional appliances provide better skeletal results than flexible and hybrid ones. Flexible and hybrid appliances have similar effects to those produced by Class II elastics. They ultimately correct Class II with dentoalveolar changes. From a biomechanical standpoint, fixed functional appliances are more recommended to treat Class II in dolichofacial patients, in comparison to Class II elastics.

RESUMO Introdução: considerando-se o grande número de aparelhos propulsores mandibulares, não é uma tarefa fácil escolher o melhor deles para o seu paciente. Objetivo: descrever o desenvolvimento desses aparelhos e a experiência clínica de vinte anos dos autores na sua utilização. Métodos: os aparelhos funcionais fixos aqui apresentados foram classificados em flexíveis, rígidos e híbridos, e o modo de ação de cada um deles foi descrito e ilustrado por meio de quatro casos clínicos. Conclusões: os aparelhos propulsores rígidos fornecem mais resultados esqueléticos do que os flexíveis e os híbridos. Esses últimos têm efeito semelhante ao uso de elásticos com direção de Classe II e, basicamente, corrigem a má oclusão de Classe II com alterações dentoalveolares. Do ponto de vista biomecânico, os propulsores fixos estão mais indicados para tratar a Classe II em pacientes dolicofaciais do que os elásticos de Classe II.

Mandibular Protraction Appliance Effects in Class II Malocclusion in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the mandibular protraction appliance (MPA) for treating mild to moderate Class II malocclusion at different stages of dentofacial development. Lateral radiographs were evaluated before (T0) and at the end (T1) of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance associated with MPA. Sixty-five consecutively treated patients were divided according to the stage of dentofacial development: 21 children in late mixed dentition, 22 adolescents and 22 young adults with full permanent dentition. The differences between and within groups were analyzed by MANOVA at p<0.05. The correction of anteroposterior discrepancy (Wits) was significantly reduced in all development stages (p<0.01), with no difference between groups. Class II was corrected predominantly by dental changes in the mandibular arch, with accentuated proclination of the mandibular incisors and mesial displacement of mandibular molars. The MPA had no skeletal effects in any of the groups, except for a mild reduction of SNA (p=0.018) and ANB angles (p<0.0001) among the mixed dentition children. With regard to soft-tissue profile, facial convexity decreased significantly in all groups (p<0.01). In conclusion, the MPA associated with fixed appliance corrected the Class II occlusion, basically by a mandibular arch protrusion. A mild skeletal maxillary change was significant only when this treatment protocol began during mixed dentition.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do aparelho de protração mandibular (APM) no tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II com discrepância esqueletal leve a moderada, em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento dentofacial. As telerradiografias em norma lateral foram avaliadas antes (T0) e após (T1) o tratamento ortodôntico com aparelho fixo associado ao APM. Sessenta e cinco pacientes tratados consecutivamente foram divididos de acordo com o estágio de desenvolvimento dentofacial: 21 crianças na dentição mista, e 22 adolescentes e 22 adultos com dentição permanente completa. As diferenças inter e intra grupos foram analisadas através da MANOVA (p<0,05). A correção da discrepância anteroposterior (Wits) foi significativamente reduzida em todos os estágios de desenvolvimento (p <0,01), sem diferença entre os grupos. A má oclusão de Classe II foi corrigida, predominantemente, por alterações dentárias na arcada inferior, com proclinação acentuada dos incisivos inferiores e deslocamento mesial dos molares inferiores. O APM não produziu efeitos esqueléticos em nenhum dos grupos, com exceção de uma redução suave do SNA (p=0,018) e ângulo ANB (p<0,0001) nas crianças em fase de dentadura mista. Em relação aos tecidos moles, a convexidade facial diminuiu significativamente em todos os grupos (p<0,01). Conclui-se que o APM associado ao aparelho fixo corrigiu a má oclusão de Classe II basicamente, através da protrusão dentoalveolar do arco inferior. Apenas quando o tratamento se inicia durante a dentição mista, foi possível identificar uma suave mudança esquelética na maxila.

The effects of activator treatment on the hard and soft tissue profile of different skeletal patterns / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate skeletal,dentoalveolar and soft tissue profile changes by activator therapy in patients with different skeletal patterns of Class Ⅱ1 malocclusions.Methods:22 subjects(10 girls,12 boys,mean age 11.5 ±0.67 years) in the mixed or early permanent dentition,were included and divided into low angle(n =15) and average angle(n =7) groups on the basis of skeletal pattern.All patients were treated with a traditional activator.The skeletal,dentoalveolar and soft tissue profile changes were compared on lateral cephalograms before and after treatment.Statistical analysis was performed with t-test of SPSS 13.0 at a level of significance of P ＜ 0.05.Results:Activator treatment in these growing patients resulted in a correction of the skeletal Class Ⅱ relationship (decrease of ANB,Wits and NA-Pg),an advancement of the mandibular structures(increase of Co-Pg and L1-APg),and changes of the teeth(increase of L6-MP).The changes of Wits,NA-Pg and L1-APg value of low and average angle groups were 1.34° ± 1.82 ° and 3.50 ° ± 1.77°,(3.06 ± 2.00) mm and (5.80 ± 3.17) mm,(-1.16-± 1.74) mm and (-2.83 ± 1.48) mm respectively(P ＜0.05).No statistical significance was found in the soft tissue profile changes whether intra-class or inter-group comparison.Conclusion:The activator appliance is effective in treating growing patients with mandibular deficiency,and mandibular reconstruction,in patients with average angle it is more effective than in those with low angle.

Meta-analysis of the condylar position changes produced by functional appliances in class Ⅱ malocclusion / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to analyze the condylar position changes produced by functional appliances in class Ⅱ malocclusion by systematic review.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Electronic search was conducted using Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Medline, Embase, Pubmed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies on condylar position changes produced by functional appliances in class Ⅱ malocclusion were included. Risk of bias assessment and data extraction of included studies were conducted by two reviewers independently. The meta-analysis was carried out using Revman 5.1.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Six studies were included (five high quality and one low quality). The condylar position showed no changes after Herbst treatment. The condylar posterior space after Twin-block treatment averagely increased by 0.31 mm (P<0.000 01), whereas the condylar anterior space averagely reduced by 0.32 mm (P<0.000 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Twin-block appliance enables forward movement of the condylar position. This result contributes to the correction of class Ⅱ malocclusion.</p>

The effects of functional appliance and multi-bracket appliance on Class II malocclusion coupled with verti-cal and transversal problems / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the effects of functional appliance and multi-bracket appliance on Angle Class II malocclusions coupled with vertical and transversal problems. Methods:Headgear-activator, Herbst appliance and multi-bracket appliance were used to treat 20 patients with Class II malocclusions coupled with vertical and transversal problems aged from 10 to 15 years. The lateral cephalograms were measured with Winceph 8. 0 software and statistical analysis was carried by SPSS 13. 0 software. Results:The sagi-tal, vertical, transversal problems had mainly been resolved at the end of functional appliance treatment. The SNB were increased( P0. 05). The upper and lower dentition were harmony in sagital, vertical and transversal. Conclusion: Functional appliance combined with multi-bracket appliance can be used effectively and conveniently for the treatment of Class II malocclusions coupled with vertical and transversal prob-lems.

Effect of Clark's twin-block appliance (CTB) and non-extraction fixed mechano-therapy on the pharyngeal dimensions of growing children

Abstract Introduction: Narrow airway dimensions due to mandibular deficiency can predispose an individual to severe respiratory distress. Hence, treatment with mandibular advancement devices at an early age might help improving the pharyngeal passage and reduce the risk of respiratory difficulties. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the mean changes in the pharyngeal dimensions of children with mandibular deficiency treated with Clark's twin-block appliance (CTB) followed by fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: Orthodontic records of 42 children with mandibular deficiency were selected. Records comprised three lateral cephalograms taken at the start of CTB treatment, after CTB removal and at the end of fixed appliance treatment, and were compared with 32 controls from the Bolton-Brush study. Friedman test was used to compare pre-treatment, mid-treatment and post-treatment pharyngeal dimensions. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the airway between pre-treatment and post follow-up controls. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the mean changes in pharyngeal dimensions between treatment group and controls from T2 to T0. Post-hoc Dunnet T3 test was used for multiple comparisons of treatment outcomes after CTB and fixed appliances, taking a p-value of ≤ 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Superior pharyngeal space (p < 0.001) and upper airway thickness (p = 0.035) were significantly increased after CTB, and the change in superior pharyngeal space remained stable after fixed mechano-therapy. Conclusion: CTB can have a positive effect in improving pharyngeal space and the resultant increase in airway remains stable on an average of two and a half years.

Resumo Introdução: a redução nas dimensões das vias aéreas causada pela deficiência mandibular pode predispor um indivíduo a dificuldades respiratórias severas. Assim, o tratamento com aparelhos de avanço mandibular na infância pode contribuir para melhorar a via aérea faríngea e reduzir o risco de problemas respiratórios. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as alterações médias nas dimensões da faringe de crianças com deficiência mandibular tratada com o aparelho Twin Block (TBC) seguido pelo tratamento ortodôntico fixo. Métodos: a documentação ortodôntica de 42 crianças com deficiência mandibular, consistindo de três telerradiografias de perfil - tiradas ao início do tratamento com TBC (T0), após a remoção do aparelho (T1) e ao final do tratamento ortodôntico fixo (T2) - foi selecionada e comparada à de 32 crianças controle do estudo Bolton-Brush. O teste de Friedman foi utilizado para comparar as dimensões da faringe antes, durante e após o tratamento. O teste de postos de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para comparar as vias aéreas antes do tratamento e depois do acompanhamento das crianças controle. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi empregado para comparar as alterações médias nas dimensões da faringe entre o grupo tratado e as crianças controle, de T0 a T2. O teste T3 de Dunnett foi utilizado como post-hocpara realizar comparações múltiplas dos resultados do tratamento após o uso do TBC e dos aparelhos fixos, considerando-se como estatisticamente significativo um valor de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: o espaço faríngeo superior (p < 0,001) e a espessura das vias aéreas superiores (p = 0,035) aumentaram significativamente após o uso do TBC, e a alteração no espaço faríngeo superior permaneceu estável após a mecanoterapia fixa. Conclusão: o TBC pode produzir um efeito positivo no espaço faríngeo, e aumento resultante nas vias aéreas permanece estável, em média, por dois anos e meio.

Circadian rhythm changes of PGE2 levels in blood of growing rats after functional mandibular protrusion / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between wearing of functional appliance and systemic metabolism of PGE2 in the blood of growing rats.Methods:54 male Wistar rats aged 4-weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups(n =18):Daytime group,all-day group and control group.Self-guided functional appliance was made for mandible advancement of the rats in the 2 experimental groups.One week after appliance wearing,rats were sacrificed at the corresponding time points and blood in femoral artery was taken. PGE2 levels in the blood samples were measured,data were analysed by cosine equation.Results:Hypothesis was true in the control group(P ＜0.05),and was not true in both 2 experimental groups(P >0.05).Conclusion:PGE2 level in rat blood is circadian rhyth-mic,wearing of functional appliance made may disturb the rhythm.

Long-term pharyngeal airway changes after bionator treatment in adolescents with skeletal Class II malocclusions / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term changes in the pharyngeal airway dimensions after functional appliance treatment in adolescents with skeletal Class II malocclusions. METHODS: Pharyngeal airway dimensions were compared between subjects with skeletal Class II malocclusions (n = 24; mean age: 11.6 +/- 1.29 years) treated with a Class II bionator and age-matched control subjects with skeletal Class I occlusions (n = 24; mean age: 11.0 +/- 1.21 years) using a series of lateral cephalograms obtained at the initial visit (T0), after treatment (T1), and at the completion of growth (T2). RESULTS: The length of the nasopharyngeal region was similar between adolescents with skeletal Class I and Class II malocclusions at all time points, while the lengths of the upper and lower oropharyngeal regions and the pharyngeal airway areas were significantly smaller in the skeletal Class II adolescents before treatment when compared to the control adolescents (p < 0.05). However, following treatment with a functional appliance, the skeletal Class II adolescents had increased pharyngeal airway dimensions, which became similar to those of the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Functional appliance therapy can increase the pharyngeal airway dimensions in growing adolescents with skeletal Class II malocclusions, and this effect is maintained until the completion of growth.

Active-treatment effects of the Forsus fatigue resistant device during comprehensive Class II correction in growing patients / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the active-treatment effects of the Forsus fatigue resistant device (Forsus) during comprehensive correction of Class II malocclusion in growing patients. METHODS: Fifty-four patients (mean age, 12.5 +/- 1.2 years) with Class II division 1 malocclusion were consecutively treated with fixed app-liances in combination with Forsus. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed at the beginning of the fixed treatment (T1), Forsus insertion (T2), its removal (T3), and end of the comprehensive therapy (T4). Statistical comparisons were carried out by repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The overall therapeutic effects were mainly dentoalveolar and occurred mostly during the active treatment with Forsus (T2-T3, mean duration = 0.5 +/- 0.1 years). The overjet and overbite decreased significantly (-3.5 and -1.5 mm, respectively) and the molar relationship improved by 4.3 mm. These changes were associated with significant retroclination of the maxillary incisors (-3.1degrees), proclination and intrusion of the mandibular incisors (+5.0degrees and -1.5 mm, respectively), and mesialization of the mandibular molars (+2.0 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Forsus had mainly dentoalveolar effects and contributed largely to the overall therapeutic outcome.

Determination of the comfort zone for intergingival height and its practical application to treatment planning: A survey.

Background: The concept of the 'comfort zone' for intergingival height is a simple guideline to help establish the correct vertical dimension necessary for occlusal harmony in any individual. It can be used as a guide for identifying individuals at relatively greater risk of developing temporomandibular dysfunction and also when rebuilding the occlusion in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. The intergingival height varies according to the patient's age and stage of development, as well as with the height of the incisor crowns. In orthodontics this parameter can be used to track the progress of a patient being treated with functional appliances. This parameter has not been studied in detail and hence this survey was designed and conducted to gain information regarding its significance. Objectives: The objectives of this survey were to estimate the value of 'comfort zone' for intergingival height in the region of the central incisor and to establish the norm for the comfort zone in males and females. Materials and Methods: The intergingival height was measured in the region of the right central incisor using a vernier caliper. The intergingival height was measured as the vertical distance from the midpoint of the free gingival margin of the right maxillary central incisor to a similar point on the right mandibular central incisor, with the teeth in occlusion. Results: According to the results of this, the range for the comfort zone for intergingival height in all subjects was 15.96-16.55 mm. The range for female subjects was 14.86-15.32 mm and the range for male subjects was 17.12-17.67 mm. Conclusion: The comfort zone of intergingival height should become a part of our vocabulary and should be routinely utilized as a guideline for consistently achieving the correct vertical dimension at the end of treatment. The areas of utilization of this measurement are many and it should be used to assist in achieving better and more stable clinical results.

Treatment of division II malocclusion in young adult with Forsus™ fatigue-resistant device.

The traditional technique for correcting class II malocclusion - involving the use of class II elastics and headgear - has been problematic due to its dependence on patient compliance. Functional orthopedic treatment seeks to correct malocclusions and harmonize the shape of the dental arch and orofacial functions. Removable functional appliances are normally very large in size, have unstable fixation, cause discomfort, exert pressure on the mucosa, reduce space for the tongue, cause difficulties in deglutition and speech, and very often affect esthetic appearance. With a fixed appliance like the Forsus™ fatigue-resistant device (FRD), as the appliance is fixed, there is less dependence on patient compliance and the remaining growth after the pubertal growth spurt can be harbored effectively. The Forsus™ FRD is not as rigid as the previous fixed functional appliances and hence is comfortable for the patients. In this case report we describe a patient at the end of the growth stage who had mandibular retrognathia and was successfully treated with the Forsus™ FRD.

Alterações dentoesqueléticas decorrentes do tratamento com aparelho ortopédico funcional Twin Block em pacientes portadores de má oclusão de Classe II esquelética / Dentoskeletal changes in Class II malocclusion patients after treatment with the Twin Block functional appliance

OBJETIVO: este estudo clínico prospectivo avaliou as alterações dentoesqueléticas em pacientes portadores de más oclusões de Classe II esquelética e dentária, tratados com o aparelho ortopédico funcional Twin Block (TB). MÉTODOS: a amostra foi dividida em dois grupos de 19 indivíduos cada: o grupo TB, com idade média de 9 anos e 6 meses (d.p. = 10 meses); e o grupo controle, com idade média de 9 anos e 9 meses (d.p. = 13 meses), ambos situados na fase de pré-surto de crescimento puberal. O teste t de Student não paramétrico mostrou que a amostra era homogênea para os valores cefalométricos ao início do estudo. Radiografias cefalométricas ao início do estudo (T1) e ao final dos 12 meses (T2) foram obtidas de todos os pacientes. Os testes de Wilcoxon e Mann-Whitney foram utilizados para avaliar as mudanças intragrupos e intergrupos em T1 e T2. RESULTADOS: a relação molar de Classe I foi obtida em 15 indivíduos do grupo tratado, enquanto nenhuma modificação ocorreu no grupo controle. Não foram observadas alterações na maxila e no padrão vertical de crescimento facial. Um aumento significativo do comprimento total mandibular e um deslocamento anterior da mandíbula ocorreram no grupo tratado (p<0,05), assim como a redução do overjet, influenciado pela significativa retroinclinação do incisivo superior e vestibularização do incisivo inferior (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: o tratamento da Classe II em pacientes brasileiros apresentou efeitos esqueléticos e dentários, incluindo aumento do comprimento mandibular e compensação dos incisivos, respectivamente.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective clinical study evaluated dentoskeletal changes in Class II malocclusion patients after treatment with the Twin Block functional appliance. METHODS: The treatment group consisted of 19 subjects (mean age 9.5 years) and the control group consisted of 19 subjects (mean age 9.9 years) situated before the pubertal growth spurt. Unpaired Student's t test showed the sample homogeneity at the beginning of the study. Initial (T1) and one year follow-up (T2) cephalometric radiographs were obtained for all subjects. Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney test were used to evaluate changes intra and inter groups from T1 to T2. RESULTS: A Class I molar relationship was achieved in 15 subjects of the TB group while no modification occurred in the control group. No significant effect was observed either in the maxilla or in the vertical pattern. A significant increase in total mandibular length and an anterior displacement of the mandibular position occurred in the treated group (p<0.05) as well as an overjet reduction, influenced by significant upper incisor retroclination and lower incisor proclination (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Class II treatment with the Twin Block appliance in Brazilian patients showed skeletal and dental effects, including increase in mandibular length and incisors compensation, respectively.

Treatment of skeletal class II malocclusion using the “Forsus” appliance: A case report.

Fixed functional appliances are valuable tools introduced to assist in the correction of skeletal class II malocclusions at the deceleration stage of growth for achieving stable results. The most commonly used such appliances are the Herbst appliance and the Jasper jumper. The recent advance in the field of fixed functional appliance is the Forsus appliance. We are reporting a 16 year old patient with a skeletal class II malocclusion treated using the Forsus appliance. The appliance was worn for 4 months after the initial alignment with fixed mechanotherapy (MBT O22). The mandible was brought forward to a class I skeletal and dental relationship by the end of this treatment.

A Case Report of Growing Skeletal Class II Treated Forsus Fatigue Resistance Appliance.

Growing skeletal class II malocclusions with mandibular deficiency have been treated for more than a century with different types of functional appliances. Removable or fixed functional appliances are available to advance the mandible. Fixed functional appliances have the advantage of not requiring patient compliance. They can also be used concurrently with brackets. This case report documents the successful treatment of mild skeletal class II in late stages of puberty by using Forsus fatigue resistance appliance. The Forsus appliance is a three-piece, semi-rigid telescoping system incorporating a super-elastic nickel -titanium coil spring that can effectively brings the mandible forward in a relatively shorter treatment time. It is compatible with complete fixed orthodontic appliances and can be incorporated into preexisting appliances.

Efeitos do aparelho Jasper Jumper no tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II / Effects of the Jasper Jumper appliance in the treatment of Class II malocclusion

OBJETIVO: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos esqueléticos e dentoalveolares do tratamento de pacientes com má oclusão de Classe II com o aparelho Jasper Jumper associado ao aparelho ortodôntico fixo, comparados a um grupo controle não-tratado. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi constituída por 47 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1, contendo 25 pacientes com idade média de 12,72 anos, tratados com o aparelho Jasper Jumper por um tempo médio de 2,15 anos; Grupo 2 (controle), composto por 22 indivíduos com idade média de 12,67 anos, não-submetidos a tratamento ortodôntico e com má oclusão de Classe II, observados por um período médio de 2,12 anos. Foram avaliadas as telerradiografias ao início e ao final do tratamento ortodôntico para o Grupo 1 e do período de observação para o Grupo 2. As variáveis cefalométricas iniciais, finais e as alterações com o tratamento foram comparadas entre os grupos por meio do teste t independente. RESULTADOS: em comparação ao grupo controle, o grupo Jasper Jumper apresentou maior restrição do deslocamento anterior da maxila e maior retrusão maxilar, melhora da relação maxilomandibular, diminuição da convexidade facial, maior protrusão e intrusão dos incisivos inferiores e maior extrusão dos molares inferiores, além de maior diminuição dos trespasses horizontal e vertical e maior melhora da relação molar. CONCLUSÃO: a correção da Classe II no grupo tratado com o Jasper Jumper e aparelhagem fixa se deu principalmente devido à restrição do crescimento maxilar, protrusão e intrusão dos incisivos inferiores e extrusão dos molares inferiores.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of the Class II malocclusion treatment with the Jasper Jumper appliance associated with fixed orthodontic appliances, compared to an untreated control group. METHODS: The sample comprised 47 subjects, divided into two groups: Group 1, with 25 patients at a mean age of 12.72 years, treated with the Jasper Jumper appliance for a mean period of 2.15 years; Group 2 (Control), including 22 subjects at a mean age of 12.67 years, who were not submitted to orthodontic treatment and presenting Class II malocclusion, observed by a mean period of 2.12 years. It was evaluated the cephalograms before and after orthodontic treatment for Group 1 and observational period for Group 2. Initial and final cephalometric variables and changes with treatment were compared between the groups by independent t tests. RESULTS: When compared to the control group, the Jasper Jumper group presented greater restriction of anterior displacement of the maxilla and a greater maxillary retrusion, improvement of maxillomandibular relationship, reduction of facial convexity, greater protrusion and intrusion of mandibular incisors and a greater extrusion of mandibular molars, besides a greater reduction of overjet and overbite and improvement of molar relationship. CONCLUSION: The correction of the Class II in the group treated with the Jasper Jumper and fixed appliances was mainly due to restriction of maxillary growth, protrusion and intrusion of mandibular incisors and extrusion of mandibular molars.

Estudo comparativo de tratamentos de maloclusões de Classe II, efetuados com aparelhos extra-oral de Thurow e Funcional Twin Block / Comparative study of two therapies for Class II skeletal malocclusion treatment: Twin Block functional appliance and extra-oral maxillary splint

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações dento-esqueletais decorrentes do uso do aparelho funcional Twin Block e do aparelho extra-oral de Thurow, em pacientes portadores de maloclusão de Classe II, tratados na fase de pré-surto de crescimento puberal, durante o período de doze meses. Cinqüenta e oito pacientes foram selecionados aleatoriamente segundo critérios de inclusão para compor a amostra. Dezenove pacientes utilizaram o aparelho funcional, dezenove o aparelho extra-oral de Thurow e o restante compuseram o grupo Controle. Foram analisadas radiografias cefalométricas ao início e ao final de doze meses de acompanhamento. Os valores cefalométricos obtidos foram tratados estatisticamente (ANOVA), seguindo um agrupamento de medidas para análise das modificações das estruturas dento-esqueletais. O teste de Bonferroni foi utilizado para a comparação dos pares de grupos. Os resultados sugerem que o aparelho funcional Twin Block promoveu aumento significativo (p < 0,001) no comprimento total da mandíbula, redução na relação ântero-posterior maxilo-mandibular e aumento da altura facial inferior quando comparado ao grupo Controle. Ocorreu redução significativa (p < 0,001) da inclinação dos incisivos superiores em ambos os grupos. Quanto à projeção dos incisivos superiores o grupo Twin Block promoveu redução significativa (p < 0,001), enquanto o aparelho de Thurow apresentou aumento significativo (p < 0,001). Os incisivos inferiores, quanto à angulação, mostraram significativa redução no grupo Thurow. A demais medidas avaliadas não mostraram alteração estatisticamente significativa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate dento skeletal changes due to Twin-Block and to Thurow appliances use in class II malocclusion patients, treated during pre growing spur phase for 12 months. Sample was composed by 58 randomly selected patients, following inclusion criteria. Nineteen patients used Twin-Block appliance, 19 were submitted to Thurow ones and the rest belonged to control group. Cephalometrics were done in the beggining and by 12 months of treatment. Data obtained from cephalometry was statistically analyzed, as measurements were divided into groups for dental and skeletal structural changes to be evaluated. Bonferroni test was used for paired groups comparation. Results suggest the Twin Block functional appliance promotes statistically significant changes (p < 0,001) as regard to total mandible length, a maxilo-mandibular antero-posterior reduction and anterior facial length increasing when compared to control group. Significant reduction (p < 0,001) of upper incisors’ inclination and significant increasing (p < 0,001) in lower incisors proclination for Thurow group when compared to control group may also be considered. Maxillary growth restriction, maxillary distalization nor first molars antero-posterior position changes were observed.

Non-Surgical Treatment of Mandibular Condylar Fracture with Functional Appliance: Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of 1 Case / 영남의대학술지

Mandibular condylar fracture is common in mandibular fractures. Unlike other facial, skeletal fractures, most of mandibular condylar neck or head fractures are treated with closed reduction and subsequent functional therapy is essential for preventing complications including ankylosis, arthrosis and growth disturbance. From January, 2000 to September, 2002, we have treated 15 cases of mandibular condylar fractures with closed reduction by using functional appliance with bite block. Among these cases, we report a case of 14-year-old female with mandibular condylar neck fracture, resulted in good clinical and radiographic progress.