Clinical evaluation of dentoskeletal changes following tongue guard therapy in children with maxillary deficiency

ABSTRACT

Considering the influence of functional matrix on the morphogenesis of jaws and teeth, it is essential to accept that functional forces will cause a change in tooth position and bone formation. The purpose of this research was to study the dental and skeletal effects of maxillary protraction following the use of tongue guard myofunctional appliance in children with class Ill malocclusion with maxillary deficiency. Pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms from 23 patients [11 male and 12 female] with mean age of 8.77 years treated by tongue guard myofunctional appliance in orthodontics clinic of Mashhad Dental School were traced and analyzed. Average treatment time was 6 months. Differences between before treatment [BT] and after treatment [AT] values were analyzed using SPSS statistical software [paired T. test]. The results were as follow 1. A highly significant anterior movement of maxilla occurred with increases in SNA [with mean=1 degree] and ANB [with mean=0.96 degree] angles and anterior movement of A point in Wits analysis [P=0.001]. 2. Maxilla/Mandible ratio [according to A.M. Schwarz] increased [P=0.001]. 3. The maxillary incisors moved in anterior direction. 4. The mandibular incisors moved posteriorly. In other words, IMPA decreased [P<0.05]. 5. Profile convexity increased and Soft tissue profile and upper lip area improved. The results of this study indicates that use of tongue guard myofunctional appliance is appropriate for patients initially presenting with anteroposterior and vertical maxillary deficiency