Extraoral force—Facts and fallacies

Abstract

1. 1. Class II, Division 1 malocclusions are amenable to correction by the use of extraoral force. Marked improvement in basal relations can be obtained; overbite and overjet problems can be helped greatly. 2. 2. The initial pattern, the relationship and degree of basal malrelationship, overbite, and overjet, and the unpredictable amount of growth definitely influence the results. 3. 3. Despite the unpredictability of growth, it is an important factor. Its presence or absence profoundly influences the results. Coordination of treatment with the pubertal growth spurt means a greater likelihood of success. This means that the best results are likely to be obtained between the ages of 10 and 12 years in girls and 12 and 17 years in boys. 4. 4. Certain untoward sequelae may be seen in the use of extraoral force. These include incomplete correction of tooth malrelationship, excessive distal tipping of maxillary first molars, possible impaction of maxillary second or third molars, possible excessive lingual tipping of maxillary incisors, possible unilateral response in correction of Class II relationship, and difficulty in the control of excessive overbite.