The long-term efficacy of rapid maxillary expansion and facemask therapy in Class III malocclusion

Bi Ngoc Huynh Le,Chrianna Bharat,Christophe Duigou,Mithran Goonewardene

doi:10.21307/aoj-2020-004

Bi Ngoc Huynh Le, Chrianna Bharat + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.21307/aoj-2020-004

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Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term efficacy of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and facemask (FM) therapy in the treatment of Class III malocclusions by comparing Class III subjects treated by RME/FM mechanics with untreated Class III controls at the Western Australian public dental hospital. Materials and methods The lateral cephalograms of 42 (26 males, 16 females) Class III patients treated by RME/FM therapy were analysed and compared with a control sample comprised of 23 (14 males, 9 females) untreated Class III patients. Evaluations were carried out prior to facemask therapy and at a long-term follow-up period of approximately eight to nine years post-treatment. Statistical comparisons were performed using t-tests for unpaired data. Results At long-term follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between the treated and control groups except in overjet, which was greater in the treated group (p < 0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that the short-term effects on the maxilla in RME/FM therapy are not maintained in the long term. Success in treatment is largely dependent on the patient’s skeletal growth pattern.

Highlights

Facemask therapy is a commonly used form of interceptive treatment for the management of a Class III malocclusion in the growing child
The ability to alter basal skeletal relationships by interceptive treatment is largely based on work by Melsen, who showed in histological findings that the midpalatal suture is broad and smooth during infancy (8–10 years) and eventually becomes more squamous and interdigitated in the juvenile stage (10–13 years).[5]
There was a significant difference in age between the untreated and treated groups at baseline (Ti) and at the final visit (Tf )

Summary

Introduction

Facemask therapy is a commonly used form of interceptive treatment for the management of a Class III malocclusion in the growing child. The fundamental principles of Class III early treatment are based on the premise that growth of the dentofacial skeleton can be manipulated. The goal of RME/FM therapy is firstly to improve the Class III skeletal discrepancy by influencing the increment and direction of facial growth.[1] Secondly, therapy aims to improve occlusal function by the elimination of a functional shift and to simplify phase II conventional treatment.[2] Lastly, it aims to provide more pleasing facial aesthetics, thereby improving the psychological development of the child,[3] there is previous. Several animal studies have shown that the maxillary complex can be displaced anteriorly with significant changes noted in the facial sutures associated with the nasomaxillary complex.[6,7,8,9,10]

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