The effects of facemask and reverse chin cup on maxillary deficient patients

Abstract

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess differences in the effects of face mask and reverse chin cup therapy on maxillary deficient growing patients. The sample consisted of 42 class III patients with maxillary deficiency randomly divided into two equal groups. Twenty-one patients (10 males and 11 females) with a mean age of 8.9 (SD: 1.4) years were treated with a face mask for 18 (SD: 2) months. Twenty-one patients (9 males and 12 females) with the mean age of 9.2 (SD: 1.1) years were treated with a reverse chin cup for 19 (SD: 4) months. Cephalometric radiographs were taken at the beginning and end of treatment and the cephalometric measurements were analysed. Paired t-tests and a Wilcoxon test were used for intra-group evaluations. Mann-Whitney test was used for inter-group evaluations. Sella-Nasion-A point (SNA) was increased by 1° (SD: 1.7°) (P<0.003) and 1.8° (SD: 1.7°) (P<0.001) in the face mask and reverse chin cup groups, respectively. The IMPA decreased by 4.1° (SD: 6.5°) in face mask group (P<0.009) and 3.1° (SD: 4.7°) in the reverse chin cup group (P<0.008). However, no statistically significant differences were seen in changes between the two groups. Both face mask and reverse chin cup appliances are successful at moving the maxilla forward.