Perception of facial profile changes after treatment with Forsus fatigue-resistant device in Class II patients

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study was aimed to evaluate the perception of changes in soft tissue profile by comparing profile silhouettes before and after treatment with the Forsus appliance, assessed by laypersons, orthodontists and patients. MethodsThe sample included 18 Class II patients (3 girls and 15 boys; mean age: 12.16 years) treated with the Forsus fatigue resistance device combined with fixed orthodontics. A set of images containing the before and after treatment profile silhouettes based on the lateral cephalograms of the patients were randomly prepared and presented to 135 examiners as a single page. Three groups of examiners assessed the images: G1, laypersons (n = 45); G2, orthodontists (n = 45); and G3, Class II orthodontic patients (n = 45). Each examiner rated the aesthetics of each facial profile using a visual analogue scale. Comparisons between before and after treatment silhouettes and among the three groups of examiners were performed using Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively. A significance level of 5% was used. ResultsThe after treatment profile silhouettes were preferred by G2 and G3. The higher scores were given by the patients. The outcomes were not influenced by sex. ConclusionsOrthodontic treatment performed with the Forsus fatigue resistance device combined with fixed orthodontics had a positive outcome according to orthodontists and patients. The better attractive profile rates scored by patients may suggest a higher acceptance of the Class II facial characteristics. These data may guide orthodontists to discuss the treatment goals with patients considering their expectations and esthetic perceptions.