Carrière Distalizer appliance effect on electromyographic activity during class II correction

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the electromyographic (EMG) activity of oral muscles concomitant to class II malocclusion correction using Carriere Distalizer appliance. Patients and methods Ten female patients with age ranged between 18 and 21 years old were selected for this study. All patients were examined to fulfill the inclusion criteria. All patients in this underwent radiographic evaluation (panoramic and lateral cephalometric) and EMG evaluation before and after class II correction using Carriere Distalizer appliance. Results Study duration for patients was 6 months. Actually, no significant changes occurred in skeletal measurements except increase angle of convexity. Regarding EMG measurements there is statistically significant increase in masseter muscle activity at rest and at occlusion after treatment. Carriere Distalizer appliance was able to correct class II molar relation into class I relation in adult patients. Finally the dentoalveolar changes including slight maxillary molar distalization, in addition to mesialization of the lower molars and proclination of the lower incisors which results in correction of class II malocclusion. Conclusion Successful correction of class II malocclusion was achieved with the Carriere Distalizer appliance and masseter muscle activity at rest and at occlusion after treatment was improved.