Therapeutic Effects of Removable İntraoral Class III Appliances on Dentofacial Structures: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this comprehensive review was to shed light on removable intraoral Class III appliances and their dentoskeletal effects in growing Class III subjects. Recently, intraoral Class III appliances have been recommended in cases of Class III malocclusions arising from maxillary retrusion instead of the Facemask appliance, which is commonly used in children at development age, due to its disadvantages including large volume and non-esthetic design, lack of cooperation, and its contribution to the irritation in the anchorage site. For these reasons, the appliances used in the treatment of Class II malocclusions have been modified for the treatment of Class III malocclusions. Among these, Fränkel Appliance III, which was introduced by Rolf Fränkel, is the most well-known modified appliance and the other well-known examples include Bionator III, Reverse Twin Block, and Magnetic Appliance III. Additionally, the other removable intraoral appliances introduced in the literature include Modified Tandem and Double-plate Appliance. The present review examined the designs of these appliances reported in the literature as well as their skeletal and dentoalveolar effects on the maxilla and mandible.