Effects of the mandibular protraction appliance FLF on the face: morphometric analysis

Abstract

Objective: To determines the effects of the Mandibular Protraction Appliance FLF associated with fixed orthodontic braces on the face, by means of morphometric analysis. Method: the sample consisted of 60 photographs taken in profile view (30 initial and 30 final photographs) of 30 young Brazilians (17 males and 13 females), with a mean initial age of 12 years and 7 months. Patients who participated in this sample, used the FLF device, and had to have white skin color, with Class II malocclusion, 1st division (minimum ½ class II), mandibular deficiency and convex profile, complete permanent dentition, and balanced growth pattern. The mean time of use of the FLF was 8 months and the mean total time of treatment with fixed devices and MPA FLF was 2 years and 1 month. For comparison between the FLF sample and the skeletal pattern according to Farkas, and comparison between the Pre- and Post-phases, the paired “t” test was used. The significance level of 5% (p<0.05) was adopted. Results: there was a statistically significant difference between the values of the sample studied (MPA FLF) and the Farkas sample in T1 analyzed alone, in T2 also analyzed alone, however, when the difference between T2 - T1 was verified, that is, the effect on the proportion of the face, which occurred, there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: it could be affirmed that the MPA FLF showed no impact on the face, despite being an effective method for the correction of Class II malocclusion.