The effect of mentoplate application on the condyle.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the changes occurring in the mandibular condyle by using mentoplate together with rapid maxillary expansion (MP-RME) treatment in the correction of skeletal class III relationship, using fractal analysis (FA). METHODS: The sample consisted of 30 individuals (8-11 years) diagnosed with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent MP-RME treatment. Archival records provided cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images taken at two intervals: before MP-RME treatment (T0) and after treatment (T1). The CBCT images were obtained using standardized settings to ensure consistency in image quality and resolution. The trabecular structures in the bilateral condyles at both T0 and T1 were analyzed using FA. The FA was performed on these condylar images using the Image J software. The region of interest (ROI) was carefully selected in the condyle to avoid overlapping with cortical bone, and the box-counting method was employed to calculate the fractal dimension (FD). Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the FD values between T0 and T1 and to evaluate gender differences. The statistical significance was determined using paired t-tests for intra-group comparisons and independent t-tests for inter-group comparisons, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the trabecular structures of the condyles between T0 and T1 (p > 0.05). However, a significant gender difference was observed in FA values, with males exhibiting higher FA values in the left condyle compared to females at both T0 and T1 (p < 0.05). Specifically, the FA values in the left condyle increased from a mean of 1.09 ± 0.09 at T0 to 1.13 ± 0.08 at T1 in males, whereas in females, the FA values remained relatively stable with a mean of 1 ± 0.09 at T0 and 1.03 ± 0.11 at T1. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that MP-RME therapy does not induce significant alterations in the trabecular structure of the mandibular condyle. These results suggest the treatment's safety concerning the structural integrity of the condyle, although the observed gender differences in FA values warrant further investigation.

Three-Dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)-Derived Soft Tissue Changes in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip, Alveolus, and Palate with Midfacial Deficiency after 1.5 Years of Bone-Anchored Maxillary Protraction.

Background: Bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) aims to correct midfacial deficiencies, with proven positive skeletal changes without potential unwanted side effects. However, the influence of BAMP treatment on facial soft tissues, particularly in subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CUCLAP), remains unclear. Methods: This single-center longitudinal cohort study examined the effects of 1.5 years of BAMP treatment on facial soft tissues in growing subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate. The sample consisted of 25 patients, age range 9.7 to 12.6 years. Three-dimensional surface models derived from CBCT scans were superimposed on stable structures of the anterior cranial base and on the occipital area posterior of the foramen magnum to assess three-dimensional changes due to growth and BAMP therapy. Results: The results revealed a moderate positive correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient from 0.203 to 0.560) between changes in hard tissue and soft tissue; some correlations were found to be weak (<0.300). Linear changes in soft tissue following BAMP were in the same direction as skeletal changes, showing downward, forward, and outward displacement. The only exception was in the vertical dimension. The lower facial third showed a slight but significant reduction, mainly in lip length (-1.2 mm), whereas the middle facial third showed a small increase (1.1 mm). Conclusions: It was concluded that during BAMP, soft tissue changes occur in the same direction as skeletal changes, although with a larger variability and less pronounced effects.

Temporomandibular joint disc position and shape in patients submitted to two protocols of rapid maxillary expansion and face mask therapy: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective study was to assess possible changes in the position and shape of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc in patients treated with two protocols of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and face mask (FM) therapy. METHODS: A sample of 88 patients with Class III or Class III subdivision malocclusions, aged between 6 and 13 years, were consecutively selected and divided into three groups (G): G1-34 patients were treated with RME, followed by FM therapy; G2-34 patients were treated using RME according to modified alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (ALT-RAMEC) protocol, followed by FM therapy. These treated groups were randomly (1:1 allocation ratio) distributed according to the two treatment protocols. G3 - Control Group - 20 untreated patients were followed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) TMJs were obtained before (T1) and after (T2) a treatment period or follow-up. McNemar test, Fisher's exact test and intra- and inter-observer concordance (K) were performed (p ≤ .05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline cephalometric variables at T1 between the groups. There were statistically significant differences between the groups (p < .001) in relation to the disc shape in T1, since G1 (8 TMJs -11.76%) presented higher occurrences of altered forms in comparison with G2 (no changes). No significant differences were observed in disc position CM and OM (G1 - p > .999; G2 - p = .063; G3 - p = .500) and shape (G1 - p > 0.999; G2 - p = .250; G3 - not calculable), between T1 × T2, in any of the groups studied. CONCLUSION: The two treatment protocols did not have adverse effects on the position and shape of the TMJ disc, in a short-term evaluation.

Long-term evaluation of condylar positional and volumetric parameters and skeletal stability in Class III bimaxillary orthognathic surgery patients.

This retrospective study examined long-term (4-5 years) condylar positional and volumetric changes and skeletal stability after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in skeletal Class III patients. Pre-surgical (T0: 0.9 ± 1.1 months) and post-surgical (T1: 0.6 ± 0.7 months; T2: 12.8 ± 3.1 months; T3: 56.5 ± 6.5 months) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 22 patients were obtained. CBCT multiplanar reformation (MPR) images were generated, and three-dimensional (3D) condylar models were constructed and superimposed to compare changes in condylar volume from pre- to postoperative. Condylar position in the sagittal and coronal planes altered immediately after surgery; however at long-term follow-up, the condyles had returned to their pre-surgical position. The condyles remained slightly inwardly rotated at short-term (-2.6°, 95% confidence interval -3.5° to -1.7°) and long-term (-1.9°, 95% confidence interval -2.8° to -1.0°) follow-up. Changes in condylar volume were insignificant after surgery. Condylar positional changes had no effect on skeletal stability. However, patients with an increased face height prior to surgery and more retrusive jaw position postoperatively were more prone to condylar resorption. Surgical changes remained stable 4-5 years after surgery. In conclusion, condylar position changed insignificantly following surgical correction in Class III patients provided that the correct surgical technique was employed.

Three-dimensional evaluation of skeletal stability after surgery-first bimaxillary surgery for class III asymmetry in 70 consecutive patients.

Background/purpose: Skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery is essential for positive treatment outcome. This study evaluated the stability of osteotomy segments after surgery-first bimaxillary surgery for class III asymmetry. Materials and methods: Seventy adults with class III asymmetry consecutively corrected through surgery-first Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies were investigated. Cone-beam computed tomography before treatment (T0), 1-week after surgery (T1), and after all treatment (T2, ≥1-year after surgery) was used to assess surgical movement (T0 to T1) and skeletal stability (T1 to T2) regarding the translation and rotation of the maxillary, mandibular distal, and proximal segments. Results: At T1, the maxillary segment had moved forward and upward, turned to the deviated side, and rotated downward (all P < 0.01). The distal segment of mandible had moved forward and upward and rotated upward (all P < 0.001). The deviated proximal segment had moved upward, tilted to the opposite side, and rotated upward (all P < 0.001). The opposite proximal segment had moved upward and tilted to the deviated side (both P < 0.01). At T2, significant relapse occurred in the mandible. The distal segment moved forward and upward and rotated upward (all P < 0.001). The deviated proximal segment moved upward, tilted to the opposite side, and rotated upward (all P < 0.001). The opposite proximal segment moved upward and tilted to the deviated side (both P < 0.01). Conclusion: Clinically significant relapse of class III asymmetry was discovered on the mandibular distal and opposite proximal segments.

A family-centered orthodontic screening approach using a machine learning-based mobile application.

Background/purpose: Skeletal orthodontic deformities can have functional and aesthetic consequences, making early detection critical. This study aimed to address the issue of parents bringing their children for routine orthodontic checkups after the ideal treatment age has passed. To address this, we developed a mobile application that uses machine-learning to make a preliminary diagnosis of skeletal malocclusion using just one photograph. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 524 pre-pubertal children, aged between 5 and 12 years, to evaluate the accuracy of the machine learning based mobile application. The application detects multiple points in photographs taken from the mobile camera and generates a signal indicating the diagnosis of skeletal malocclusion. Results: The final accuracy of the Class III vs not Class III model deployed to the mobile application was above 81%, indicating its ability to accurately identify skeletal malocclusion. On a separate validation dataset of 145 patients diagnosed by 5 different clinicians, the accuracy of Class II vs Class I model was 69%; And pg 4, ln 61: as Class II vs Class I with 69% accuracy. Conclusion: The application provides parents with important information about the orthodontic problem, age of treatment, and various treatment options. This enables parents to seek further advice from an orthodontist at an earlier stage and make informed decisions. However, the diagnosis should still be confirmed by an orthodontist. This approach has the potential to improve access to orthodontic care, especially in underserved communities.

East Asian and Southern European craniofacial class III phenotype: two sides of the same coin?

OBJECTIVES: The skeletal class III phenotype is a heterogeneous condition in populations of different ethnicities. This study aimed to analyse the joint and ethnicity-specific clustering of morphological features in skeletal class III patients of Asian and European origins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved South Korean and Spanish participants who fulfilled the cephalometric, clinical, and ethnic-related selection criteria. Radiographic records were standardised, calibrated, and measured. A total of 54 skeletal variables were selected for varimax factorial analysis (VFA). Subsequently, a cluster analysis (CA) was performed (mixed method: k-means and hierarchical clustering). Method error and precision were assessed using ICC, Student's t-test, and the Dahlberg formula. RESULTS: A total of 285 Korean and Spanish participants with skeletal class III malocclusions were analysed. After performing VFA and CA, the joint sample revealed three global clusters, and ethnicity-specific analysis revealed four Korean and five Spanish clusters. Cluster_1_global was predominantly Spanish (79.2%) and male (83.01%) and was characterised by a predominantly mesobrachycephalic pattern and a larger cranial base, maxilla, and mandible. Cluster_2_global and Cluster_3_global were mainly South Korean (73.9% and 75.6%, respectively) and depicted opposite phenotypes of mandibular projection and craniofacial pattern. CONCLUSIONS: A distinct distribution of Spanish and South Korean participants was observed in the global analysis. Interethnic and interethnic differences were observed, primarily in the cranial base and maxilla size, mandible projection, and craniofacial pattern. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Accurate phenotyping, reflecting the complexity of skeletal class III phenotype across diverse populations, is critical for improving diagnostic predictability and future personalised treatment protocols.

Long-term effects produced by early treatment of Class III malocclusion with rapid maxillary expansion and facemask followed by fixed appliances: A multicentre retro-prospective controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short- and long-term dentoskeletal effects of early Class III treatment with rapid maxillary expansion and facemask (RME/FM) followed by fixed appliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients (27 females, 17 males) treated consecutively with RME/FM were included from the archives of 3 centres. Three lateral cephalograms were available: T0 (before the start of RME/FM therapy, mean age 8.1 ± 1.8 years), T1 (immediately after RME/FM, mean age 9.8 ± 1.6 years), and T2 (long-term observation, mean age 19.5 ± 1.6 years). A control group of 17 untreated Class III subjects (12 females and 5 males) also was selected. Between-group statistical comparisons were performed with ANCOVA. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences for any of the cephalometric variables were found at T0. In the short term, the treated group showed significant improvements in ANB (+2.9°), Wits appraisal (+2.7 mm), SNA (+1.8°) and SNB (-1.1°). A significant closure of CoGoMe angle (-1.3°) associated with smaller increments along Co-Gn (-2.4 mm) also was found together with a significant increase in intermaxillary divergence (+1.3°). In the long-term, significant improvements in ANB (+2.6°), Wits appraisal (+2.7 mm) and SNB (-1.7°) were recorded together with a significant closure of the CoGoMe angle (-2.9°). No significant long-term changes in vertical skeletal relationships were found. CONCLUSIONS: RME/FM therapy was effective in improving Class III dentoskeletal relationships in the short term. These changes remained stable in the long-term due mainly to favourable mandibular changes.

A utilização de torques resistentes ao movimento compensatório dos dentes anteriores no tratamento da Classe III no paciente adulto / The use of torques resistant to compensatory movement of anterior teeth in the treatment of Class III in adult patients

Este trabalho visou relatar o caso clínico de um paciente padrão III com mordida cruzada anterior, através de um tratamento compensatório com o uso de bráquetes que geram torques resistentes nos incisivos. O paciente JPCN, 42 anos, leucoderma, gênero masculino, procurou a clínica ortodôntica com a queixa principal de mordida cruzada anterior. Na análise extrabucal, observou-se a presença de padrão horizontal, simetria facial, maxila deficiente, ângulo nasolabial fechado, presença de selamento labial passivo e perfil côncavo com o lábio inferior à frente do superior. A prescrição utilizada foi a biofuncional, apresentado 0° de torque nos incisivos superiores e 10° nos incisivos inferiores. Foram realizados o alinhamento e nivelamento, mecânica de acentuação da curva de Spee no arco superior e reversão no arco inferior simultaneamente aos elásticos intermaxilares. Ao final do tratamento, foram observados correção da relação anteroposterior e intercuspidação dentária, trespasse horizontal e vertical normais, linhas médias coincidentes e selamento labial passivo. Concluiu-se que a utilização de torques resistentes nos incisivos gerados pelo uso de bráquetes da técnica biofuncional foi eficiente para manter uma boa inclinação desses dentes durante a correção damá oclusão de Classe III com o uso de elásticos intermaxilares (AU)

This study aimed to report the clinical case of a patient with pattern III with anterior crossbite, through a compensatory treatment with the use of brackets that generate resistant torques in the incisors. Patient JPCN, 42 years old, caucasian, male, came to the orthodontic clinic with the main complaint of anterior crossbite. In the extraoral analysis, it was observed the presence of a horizontal pattern, facial symmetry, deficient maxilla, closed nasolabial angle, presence of passive lip seal, and concave profile with the lower lip in front of the upper. The prescription used was the biofunctional, with 0° of torque on the upper incisors and 10° on the lower incisors. Alignment and leveling, orthodontic mechanics of Spee curve accentuation in the maxillary arch and reversal in the mandibular arch were performed simultaneously with intermaxillary elastics. At the end of the treatment, Class III correction, correction of the anteroposterior relationship and dental intercuspation, normal overbite and overjet, coinci-dent midlines and passive lip seal were observed. It was concluded that the use of resistant torques on the incisors promoted by the use of biofunctional technique brackets was efficient to maintain a good inclination of these teeth during the correction of Class III malocclusion with the use of intermaxillary elastics (AU)

Anthropometric and Cephalometric Facial Characteristics of Adult Saudi Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusions.

Objectives: We aimed to assess adult Saudi patients' facial anthropometry and cephalometric characteristics with skeletal Class III malocclusions compared to Class I malocclusion patients. Materials and Methods: Our cross-sectional study included a review of the orthodontic records of 108 patients: 54 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions and 54 patients with skeletal Class I malocclusions, equally distributed between males and females. Using anthropometric landmarks, seven angular and eight linear measurements were recorded and compared between Class III and Class I patients. In addition, we compared three horizontal facial proportions and three horizontal neoclassical canons between the two groups. Finally, we used Student's t-tests to compare continuous variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables. Results: Class III patients had significantly larger mandibular length, mandibular plane angle, mid- and lower-anterior face height, and posterior face height (P < 0.05) compared to Class I patients. Class III patients had significantly proclined upper incisors, retroclined lower incisors, and an obtuse interincisal angle (P < 0.05). The mouth: nose ratio differed significantly between skeletal Class III and I patients (P = 0.008). The orbital canon was valid in 14.8% of Class I and 9.3% of Class III patients, respectively. The orbitonasal proportion applied only to 31.5% and 20.4% of Class I and III patients, respectively. The naso-oral canon occurred in 18.5% and 1.9% of Class I and III patients, respectively. Conclusion: Saudis with Class III skeletal profiles have some distinctive Class III characteristics not observed in most other ethnic groups. The established horizontal facial proportions, neoclassical facial canons, and Class III skeletal profile did not apply to Saudis with skeletal Class I malocclusions, indicating that these proportions and characteristics may not be suitable as references when planning the surgical treatment for these patients.

Influence of differences in mandibular incisor inclination on skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.

OBJECTIVE: The preoperative inclination angle of mandibular incisors was crucial for surgical and postoperative stability while the effect of proclined mandibular incisors on skeletal stability has not been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of differences in presurgical mandibular incisor inclination on skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 80 consecutive patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery was conducted. According to incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA), patients were divided into 3 groups: retroclined inclination (IMPA < 87°), normal inclination (87° ≤ IMPA < 93°) and proclined inclination (IMPA ≥ 93°). Preoperative characteristics, surgical changes and postoperative stability were compared based on lateral cephalograms obtained 1 week before surgery (T0), 1 week after surgery (T1), and at 6 to 12 months postoperatively (T2). RESULTS: The mandible demonstrated a forward and upward relapse in all three groups. No significant differences in skeletal relapse were observed in the 3 groups of patients. However, the proclined inclination group showed a negative overbite tendency postoperatively compared with the other two groups and a clinically significant mandibular relapse pattern. Proclined IMPA both pre- and postoperatively was correlated with mandibular relapse. CONCLUSION: Sufficient presurgical mandibular incisor decompensation was of crucial importance for the maintenance of skeletal stability in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who subsequently underwent orthognathic surgery.

Clockwise versus counterclockwise rotation in bimaxillary surgery: 3D analysis of facial soft tissue outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare facial 3D soft tissue changes in subjects with Class III deformities who underwent bimaxillary clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) rotational orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Asian Class III subjects who completed bimaxillary surgical orthodontic treatments were enrolled and categorized into CW and CCW groups based on maxillary occlusal plane alterations. Preoperative and 9-month follow-up cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D stereophotogrammetry were obtained, superimposed, and quantified for skeletal movements and soft tissue changes in six facial regions. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusted for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects were included (CW group, n = 20; CCW group, n = 17). Postsurgical chin volume significantly reduced in the CW group compared to the CCW group (mean difference 6362 mm3; p = 0.037), and intergonial width significantly decreased in the CW group (mean difference 6.2 mm; p = 0.005). The postoperative alar width increased by 1.04 mm and 1.22 mm in the CW and CCW groups, respectively (p = 0.70). However, these changes were not significantly correlated to the direction of MMC pitch. CONCLUSION: Clockwise rotation of the bimaxillary complex demonstrated a significant advantage in reducing chin volume and intergonial width compared to counterclockwise rotation, leading to a reduced frontal lower face width among Asian Class III subjects.

Tratamento da classe III com disjunção maxilar e tração reversa da maxila: relato de caso clínico / Class III treatment weth maxillary disjunction and reverse maxillary traction: clinical case report

Objetivo: A má oclusão classe III de Angle se caracteriza por protrusão mandibular, retrusão maxilar ou pela combinação de ambas. Além de prejudicar a estética facial do paciente, essa má oclusão pode causar alterações funcionais e respiratórias. Uma das alternativas de tratamento para esses casos é o uso da máscara de Petit e do aparelho disjuntor de Hyrax. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar por meio da cefalometria ortodôntica se o tratamento com expansão maxilar em conjunto com a tração reversa da maxila diminuem os agravos estéticos e funcionais do paciente Classe III. Relato de caso: o relato de caso descrito no presente trabalho é sobre uma paciente que foi submetida a esse tratamento, sendo descrito por meio de análises cefalométricas, exames radiográficos, fotos intrabucais e achados clínicos. Considerações finais: A verificação dos resultados obtidos após o término do tratamento mostrou que a paciente teve uma boa adesão ao uso desses aparelhos e obteve resultados satisfatórios na sua função mastigatória, na sua oclusão e na sua estética facial e dentária.(AU)

Objective: Angle class III malocclusion is characterized by mandibular protrusion, maxillary retrusion or a combination of both. In addition to impairing the patient's facial aesthetics, this malocclusion can cause functional and respiratory changes. One of the treatment alternatives for these cases is the use of the Petit mask and the Hyrax breaker device. This study aims to evaluate, through orthodontic cephalometry, whether the treatment with maxillary expansion in conjunction with the reverse traction of the maxilla reduces the aesthetic and functional problems of Class III patients. Case report: the case report described in the present work is about a patient who underwent this treatment, being described through cephalometric analysis, radiographic examinations, intraoral photos and clinical findings. Final considerations: The verification of the results obtained after the end of the treatment showed that the patient had a good adherence to the use of these devices and obtained satisfactory results in her masticatory function, in her occlusion and in her facial and dental aesthetics.(AU)

Ultrasonographic evaluation of changes in the thickness, width, elasticity index and echogenic pattern of the masseter muscle after mandibular set-back surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The masseter muscle is one of the structures that undergoes significant changes following jaw movements in orthognathic surgery. This study aims to investigate the effects of mandibular setback surgery, performed in patients with skeletal class III deformity, on the thickness, width, elasticity index, and echogenic pattern of the masseter muscle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective case-control study enrolled patients with class III deformity who underwent mandibular setback surgery, while the control group consisted of class I patients. The predictor variable was the time measured at two different points: preoperative (T1) and postoperative 6 months (T2). The primary outcome variable focused on changes in the internal echogenic pattern of the masseter muscle. Secondary, tertiary, and quaternary outcome variables included changes in the thickness, width, and elasticity index of the masseter muscle, respectively. Gender, age, type of operation, and amount of movement were considered as covariates. Ultrasonography was employed to evaluate the outcome variables. RESULTS: The study group comprised 31 patients, including 17 females (mean age 22.24 ± 3.52 years) and 14 males (mean age 23.14 ± 2.65 years). The control group consisted of 16 females (mean age 23.34 ± 1.22 years) and 15 males (mean age 23.12 ± 1.76 years). Masseter muscle thickness increased significantly after mandibular setback surgery (p = 0.015). However, there was no statistically significant difference in masseter muscle width before and after surgery (p = 0.627), nor in the elasticity index (p = 0.588). Furthermore, a statistically significant transformation from Type I to Type II was observed in the internal echogenic pattern of the muscle (p = 0.039). Additionally, there was no statistically significant correlation between the amount of mandibular movement performed and the changes in the masseter muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular setback surgery leads to changes in both the physical and structural properties of the masseter muscle.

Class III malocclusion treated with a 3D-printed hybrid hyrax distalizer combined with mentoplate using Alt-RAMEC protocol: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this report was to assess the skeletal, dental and soft tissue changes in a juvenile patient with a severe class III malocclusion. This case report describes a novel method of class III treatment using skeletal anchorage for maxillary protraction and Alt-RAMEC protocol. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient did not have any subjective complaints before treatment and there was no family history of class III malocclusion. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND PRIMARY DIAGNOSES: Extra-orally, the patient had a concave profile with a retrusive mid-face and prominent lower lip. The intra-oral examination revealed angle class III malocclusion with a -3-mm overjet. There was no anterior displacement on closure when the patient was assessed clinically. According to the cephalometric analysis, the sagittal jaw relation and Wits appraisal were reduced due to a retrognathic maxilla and prognathic mandible. INTERVENTIONS: The treatment plan involved maxillary protraction, Alt-RAMEC protocol for 10 weeks and upper molar distalisation with a hybrid hyrax distalizer in combination with a mentoplate. The active treatment time was estimated to 18 months followed by 6 months retention with the appliance. OUTCOMES: The sagittal jaw relationship was increased by approximately 9°, mainly due to maxillary advancement of 8 mm and a positional change of the mandible anteroposteriorly. Natural decompensation of the lower incisors was also observed. In addition, both the facial profile and the smile became more harmonious after treatment. The treatment analysis revealed that the changes achieved were mainly skeletal and it was possible to avoid adverse effects on the dentition. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, treatment with a hybrid hyrax distalizer combined with mentoplate using the Alt-RAMEC protocol is effective in correcting the anteroposterior discrepancy in a juvenile class III patient and it is possible to achieve maxillary advancement of 8 mm.

The long-term effect of maxillary advancement and impaction on subjective and objective nasal patency: A retrospective case-control study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of nasal patency after maxillary advancement and impaction (MAXADV + IMP) in subjects with skeletal class III malocclusion (cases) and after removal of maxillary cysts in close proximity to the nasal floor in subjects that served as controls. NOSE score, volume derived by computed tomography (VOL), and acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry were retrospectively evaluated, before and one year after surgery. The movement of specific landmarks was also measured. NOSE score did not change after surgery, neither in 17 cases (p = 0.10) nor in 17 controls (p = 0.14). In cases, VOLpostop (10088 ± 4200 mm3) was significantly higher than VOLpreop (7807 ± 3721 mm3; p = 0.036). Maxillary advancement and inferior displacement of the ventral maxilla were noted by the movement of incisive foramen in the coronal (3.9 ± 5.4; p = 0.011) and Frankfurt Horizontal plane (2.2 ± 2.0; p = 0.001), respectively. In controls, VOLpostop (9749 ± 3654 mm3) was also significantly higher than VOLpreop (8473 ± 2624 mm3; p = 0.050). Cross-sectional areas, nasal flow and nasal resistance changed significantly after surgery in cases (6/30 pairs; p < 0.018), but not in controls (all p > 0.066). MAXADV + IMP increased nasal patency, but did not change the feeling of nasal breathing. Physicians should proceed with caution when informing patients about improvement of nasal breathing after MAXADV + IMP.

Concept for the Treatment of Class III Anomalies with a Skeletally Anchored Appliance Fabricated in the CAD/CAM Process-The MIRA Appliance.

OBJECTIVE: Intermaxillary elastics, anchored skeletally, represent a promising concept for treatment in adolescent patients with skeletal Class III anomalies. A challenge in existing concepts is the survival rate of the miniscrews in the mandible or the invasiveness of the bone anchors. A novel concept, the mandibular interradicular anchor (MIRA) appliance, for improving skeletal anchorage in the mandible, will be presented and discussed. CLINICAL CASE: In a ten-year-old female patient with a moderate skeletal Class III, the novel MIRA concept, combined with maxillary protraction, was applied. This involved the use of a CAD/CAM-fabricated indirect skeletal anchorage appliance in the mandible, with interradicularly placed miniscrews distal to each canine (MIRA appliance), and a hybrid hyrax in the maxilla with paramedian placed miniscrews. The modified alt-RAMEC protocol involved an intermittent weekly activation for five weeks. Class III elastics were worn for a period of seven months. This was followed by alignment with a multi-bracket appliance. DISCUSSION: The cephalometric analysis before and after therapy shows an improvement of the Wits value (+3.8 mm), SNA (+5°), and ANB (+3°). Dentally, a transversal postdevelopment in the maxilla (+4 mm) and a labial tip of the maxillary (+3.4°) and mandibular anterior teeth (+4.7°) with gap formation is observed. CONCLUSION: The MIRA appliance represents a less invasive and esthetic alternative to the existing concepts, especially with two miniscrews in the mandible per side. In addition, MIRA can be selected for complex orthodontic tasks, such as molar uprighting and mesialization.

Early orthognathic surgery with postsurgical bone-anchored retention in unilateral cleft lip and palate: A case report.

We present a case report of early Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary advancement retained postoperatively by Class III elastics anchored on miniplates in a growing patient with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). A 14-year-old boy who underwent orthognathic surgery at the pubertal growth spurt was presented. During surgery, Bollard miniplates were installed in the posterior region of the maxilla and in the anterior region of the mandible. Class III elastics anchored on miniplates were used at night (8-10 h) starting 60 days after surgery. The force of the elastics progressively increased from 100 g to 250 g. The elastics were replaced daily. The positive overjet remained stable over 15 months of postoperative follow-up. Maxillary advancement was adequately retained using Bollard miniplates and the facial profile remained stable until the end of facial growth.

Pain and discomfort perception during miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction: secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the perception of pain and discomfort of patients and guardians during treatment between miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction (MAMP) therapy using Hybrid (HH) and Conventional Hyrax (CH) expanders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group HH was composed of 18 subjects (8 female, 10 male; initial age: 10.80 years) with Class III malocclusion treated with a hybrid expander in the maxilla and two miniscrews in the anterior region of the mandible. Class III elastics were used from maxillary first molar to mandibular miniscrews. Group CH was composed of 14 subjects (6 female, 8 male; initial age: 11.44 years) treated with a similar protocol except for conventional Hyrax expander. Pain and discomfort of patients and guardians were assessed using a visual analog scale immediately after placement (T1), after 24 hours (T2), and 1 month after appliance installation (T3). Mean differences (MD) were obtained. Intergroup and intragroup timepoint comparisons were performed using independent t-tests, analysis of variance for repeated measures and Friedman test (P < 5%). RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated similar levels of pain and discomfort with a significant decrease after 1 month of appliance placement (MD: 4.21; P = .608). Compared to patient perceptions, guardians reported a higher level of pain and discomfort at all timepoints (MD, T1: 13.91, P < .001; T2: 23.15, P < .001; T3: 9.35, P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: MAMP therapy with HH and CH produced similar levels of pain and discomfort after appliance installation until 1 month after treatment. Pain and discomfort may not influence the choice between HH and CH expanders.

Associations between skeletal discrepancies, breathing pattern, and upper airway obstruction in Class III malocclusions.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the associations between sagittal and vertical skeletal discrepancies, changes in upper airways, and breathing pattern in children and adolescents with Angle Class III and Class III subdivision malocclusions. METHODS: Eighty-five children and adolescents with a mean age of 9.5 ± 1.74 years were selected. Cephalometry assessed the sagittal relationship (AO-BO measurement), facial types (Ricketts VERT index), nasopharynx, and oropharynx. An otorhinolaryngologist analyzed the breathing pattern and upper airway obstruction during anamnesis, physical examination, anterior rhinoscopy, and nasofibroscopy. Medical records were also reviewed. For statistical analysis, ordinary one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis (Tukey's post-hoc), unpaired t-test, Pearson's correlation, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05) were used. RESULTS: The nasopharyngeal cephalometric dimension and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy were associated, whereas the oropharyngeal cephalometric dimension and palatine tonsils hypertrophy were not. Sagittal discrepancies were associated with septum deviation, while facial type was associated with inferior turbinate and palatine tonsils hypertrophy. However, facial type was not associated with breathing pattern, septum deviation, and pharyngeal tonsils hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal discrepancies and type of malocclusion were not associated with breathing pattern and changes in upper airways, except for the severity of septum deviation and Class III malocclusions, which were associated with large sagittal discrepancies. Although the facial types analyzed presented signs of airway obstruction, the highest prevalence of inferior turbinate and palatine tonsils hypertrophy were found in patients with dolichofacial type.