Maxillary Protraction Therapy

Abstract

The incidence of skeletal Class III malocclusion is rather small in the population, but it is one of the most difficult malocclusions to treat. Class III malocclusions are often seen with maxillary retrognathia, mandibular prognathia, or a combination of both. Thus, maxillary protraction is an emerging paradigm in the early management of skeletal Class III malocclusion. Many investiga- tors have reported on the results of maxillary retrognathic patients treated with face masks. The majority of these studies noted a counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla with the protraction headgear treatment. Although this rotation was a benefit in the treatment of low-angle, deep-bite Class III patients, it is not indicated in Class III cases with high-angle skeletal patterns and anterior open bites. In order to eliminate these unwanted side effects, some investigators have applied the protraction force at an angle of 30° downward from the occlusal plane. This article attempts to consolidate and organize the facts related to the maxillary protraction therapy.