Long-term effects of ClassII orthodontic treatment on oral health.

Abstract

To investigate the long-term (≥15years) benefit of orthodontic ClassII treatment (Tx) on oral health (OH). All patients (Department of Orthodontics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany) who underwent ClassII correction (Herbst-multibracket Tx, end of active Tx ≥ 15years ago) and agreed to participate in arecall (clinical examination, interview, impressions, and photographs) were included. Records after active Tx were used to assess the long-term OH effects. Data were compared to corresponding population-representative age-cohorts as well as to untreated ClassI controls without orthodontic Tx need during adolescence. Of 152 treated ClassII patients, 75 could be located and agreed to participate at 33.7 ± 3.0years of age (pre-Tx age: 14.0 ± 2.7years). The majority (70.8%) were fully satisfied with their teeth and with their masticatory system. The Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) was 7.1 ± 4.8 and, thus, almost identical to that of the untreated ClassI controls (7.9 ± 3.6). In contrast, the DMFT in the population-representative age-cohort was 56% higher. The determined mean Community Periodontal Index (CPI) maximum score (1.6 ± 0.6) was also comparable to the untreated ClassI controls (1.7 ± 0.9) but in the corresponding population-representative age-cohort it was 19-44% higher. The extent of lower incisor gingival recessions did not differ significantly between the treated ClassII participants and the untreated ClassI controls (0.1 ± 0.2 vs. 0.0 ± 0.1 mm). Patients with orthodontically treated severe ClassII malocclusions had alower risk for oral health impairment than the general population. The risk corresponded to that of untreated ClassI controls (without orthodontic Tx need during adolescence).