Maxillary Retrognathism Research Articles

Maksiller Büyüme Yönü ile Sinonazal Bölgenin Anatomik Varyasyonları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi Vaka-Kontrol Araştırması Maksiller Büyüme Yönü ve Sinonazal Varyasyonlar

Objective: This study investigated the frequency of anatomic variations in the sinonasal region with septal deviation and the relationship of these anatomic variations with the developmental direction of the maxilla in cone-beam computed tomography images. Material and Methods: Forty-eight patients who underwent orthognathic surgery were included in this study. These patients were divided into 3 groups: normal maxilla (n=16), prognathic maxilla (n=16), and retrognathic maxilla (n=16) by determining the position of the maxillae in relation to the skull base on lateral cephalometric radiographs. The anatomic variations of the sinonasal region and the presence of maxillary sinus ostium (MSO) obstruction were studied in all groups. The relationship between the anatomical variations and the different developmental aspects of the maxilla was analyzed. Results: The most common anatomical changes in all patients were: hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate (68.8%), deviation of the nasal septum (66.7%), and concha bullosa (62.5%). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with different skeletal deformities based on the position of the maxilla in relation to the skull base (p>0.05). While there was a statistically significant difference between gender distribution and hypertrophy of the middle concha (p=0.016), no statistically significant difference was found between other anatomical variations and gender distribution (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, in this study, we investigated the relationship between the anatomical variations of the sinonasal region and the direction of maxillary growth. There was no significant relationship between the above anatomical variations and MSO obstruction between the groups.

Comparison of craniofacial morphology in individuals with and without hypodontia with a special focus on the number of congenitally missing teeth.

Hypodontia might negatively affect dental function and esthetics, what might affect patients' self-esteem, communication behavior, professional performance and thus quality of life. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of number of congenital missing teeth on dentofacial features. Lateral cephalograms of 60 individuals with hypodontia (study group) and 40 individuals without hypodontia (control group) were analyzed. Patients in the study group were divided into two subgroups according to the number of missing teeth (group A with hypodontia 1 to 4 teeth and group B with hypodontia 5 or more teeth). Cephalometric data were compared among the study and control groups and statistically analyzed. The results in the present study revealed a significantly shorter and more retrognathic maxilla, more prognathic chin position, more retruded incisors in both jaws, large interincisal angle, straighter facial convexity as well as more retruded upper and lower lips in the group B compared with the control group. In the group A only chin position was significantly more prognathic compared with the control group. According to the results of present study impact of hypodontia on the craniofacial morphology and consequently on facial esthetics was found statistically significantly greater in patients with 5 or more congenitally missing teeth.

Comparison of the Post-Surgical Position of the Temporomandibular Joint after Orthognathic Surgery in Skeletal Class III Patients and Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Objective: The purpose of our research is to compare the post-surgical position of the temporomandibular joint in skeletal Class III patients and patients with cleft lip and palate treated with two-jaw orthognathic surgery using a three-dimensional computer tomography image. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three skeletal Class III patients with mandibular prognathism associated with maxillary retrognathism in group 1 and twenty cleft mid-face retrusion skeletal Class III patients in group 2 were enrolled in this study. All subjects were treated with two-jaw orthognathic surgery. Computed tomography scans were taken in all subjects at 3 weeks preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Three-dimensional craniofacial skeletal structures were build-up, and assessed the temporomandibular joint position changes before and after surgery. Results: Forty-three selected patients were separated into two groups. The mean age of patients was 22.39 ± 4.8 years in group 1 and 20.25 ± 3.8 years in group 2. The range of mean three-dimensional discrepancy of the selected condylar points was 0.95–1.23 mm in group 1 and 2.37–2.86 mm in group 2. The mean alteration of intercondylar angle was 2.33 ± 1.34° in group 1 and 6.30 ± 2.22° in group 2. The significant differences in the discrepancy of TMJ and changes in intercondylar angle were confirmed within the intra-group and between the two groups. Conclusions: Significant changes in postoperative TMJ position were present in both groups. Furthermore, the cleft group presented significantly more postoperative discrepancy of TMJ and more changes in intercondylar angle after surgery. This finding may be a reason leading to greater postoperative instability in cleft patients compared with skeletal Class III non-cleft patients. Clinical Trial Registration Number: IRB No: 202201108B0.

Do we get better outcomes from early treatment of Class III discrepancies?

Early orthodontic treatment in the mixed dentition aims to simplify definitive treatment in the permanent dentition. In Class III cases, this can be an effective strategy for the management of a local anterior crossbite, using either a removable or simple fixed appliance. For more significant Class III malocclusions, the decision to intervene early is a more difficult one. Traditionally, orthodontists in the UK have been reluctant to embark on early treatment in the presence of a skeletal Class III relationship but there is now some evidence that in selected cases, the use of protraction headgear can be a successful method of avoiding the need for later surgery. Although growth prediction in Class III cases is notoriously difficult, in the presence of maxillary retrognathia, the general dental practitioner should consider early referral of Class III cases to a specialist orthodontist.

Assessment of Dentofacial Characteristics in Individuals with Different Midfacial Skeletal Morphologies

Abstract Introduction An orthodontist's primary objective is to diagnose and describe the characteristics of any particular malocclusion. It has been reported that when the anteroposterior dimension of the maxilla is either reduced or increased, the measured dentoalveolar and skeletal parameters gets affected in other dimensions also. Aim This study aims to assess and compare the dentofacial characteristics in individuals with different skeletal morphology (normal, retrognathic, and prognathic maxilla). Materials and Methods A total of 194 individuals in the age group of 18 to 32 years were grouped as group I (34 males, 33 females) with normal maxilla, group II (30 males, 32 females) with retrognathic maxilla, and group III (34 males, 31 females) with prognathic maxilla. The measurements of N-A and anterior nasal spine to posterior nasal spine were the basis for selecting the individuals. The dentoalveolar characteristics were assessed using 17 lateral cephalometric and 08 posteroanterior (P-A) cephalometric parameters. Results The data of the study when analyzed statistically using sample “t” test (p < 0.05), revealed significant differences between the genders within the groups. All 08 characteristics measured in the P-A cephalogram showed had significant differences. Pairwise comparison between the groups was performed using the Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05) and significant differences in various dentoalveolar characteristics were observed between the groups. Conclusion Dentoalveolar and facial parameters showed a significant degree of sexual dimorphism associated with maxillary morphology in all three groups of individuals. The majority of the parameters showed male dominance, and the differences were statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were observed in dentofacial characteristics in individuals with different skeletal morphologies

Does Maxillary Protraction with Alt-RAMEC Protocol Affect Inferior Sclera Exposure? A Controlled 3dMD Study.

The purpose of this controlled retrospective study was to measure and evaluate the inferior sclera exposure changes using 3dMD stereophotogrammetric images in a prepubertal Class III patient sample that underwent maxillary protraction with alternate rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions protocol followed by facemask. The study group included 15 prepubertal patients (mean age: 9.85 ± 1.44 years) with Class III malocclusion due to maxillary retrognathism. Nine weeks of alternate rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions protocol was followed prior to 7 months of face mask treatment and 3 months of retention with Bionator. Pretreatment (T0) and post-retention (T1) lateral cephalometric radiographs and 3dMD images were retrieved from clinical archive. The same records were used for a control group of 15 well-matched, untreated patients (mean age: 9.4 ± 0.79 years). The distance between the upper eyelid margin and the lower eyelid margin was recorded as the overall eye height (E), and the distance between inferior limbus and the lower eyelid margin was recorded as inferior sclera exposure (S). The S : E ratio in percentage was calculated. Sella-nasion-A point angle (SNA) was used as the skeletal variable. SNA angle, right S : E, and left S : E changed significantly in both groups at T1-T0. The intergroup comparison was highly significant for SNA angle but was not significant for right and left S : E variables. The S : E ratio decreased significantly in both alternate rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions/facemask and the control groups. However, the change in S : E ratio between groups was not significant.

Sagittal Cephalometric Evaluation Without Point Nasion: Sagittal G-Triangle Analysis.

This study aims to introduce a new sagittal cephalometric measurement, the sagittal G-triangle analysis, to accurately and reproducibly assess the sagittal jaw relationship. Sagittal G-triangle analysis, which consists of angles AXK and BXK, is based on an equilateral triangle (Bo–X–K) constructed using 5 cephalometric landmarks (Ba, Bo, Po, Or, and G). To test the diagnostic efficiency of this analysis, pretreatment cephalometric radiographs of 120 female and 120 male Chinese patients were randomly selected. For each enlisted subject, angles SNA and SNB as well as angles AXK and BXK were measured and recorded. On the basis of the SNA and SNB results, subjects were categorized into 6 groups: maxillary retrognathism, normal maxilla, maxillary prognathism, mandibular retrognathism, normal mandible, and mandibular prognathism. The diagnostic efficiency of angles AXK and BXK were evaluated using various statistical tests. A high correlation was detected between angles SNA and AXK as well as between angles SNB and BXK. Female patients with angle AXK between −2.255° and 2.860° and male patients with angle AXK between −2.615° and 2.120° were considered to have a normal maxilla position. Female patients with angle BXK between −2.61° and 2.93° and male patients with angle BXK between −2.275° and 0.610° were considered to have a normal mandible position. In conclusion, sagittal G-triangle analysis could be used as an alternative method for the evaluation of the sagittal position of the maxilla and mandible in cephalometric analysis.

Changes during treatment of class III malocclusion by Y appliance and appliance with screw according to Bertoni

Introduction/Objective. Class III malocclusion is caused by changes in skeletal and/or dentoalveolar structures with a typical mesial relationship of posterior teeth. The ?Y? appliance and the appliance with screw according to Bertoni can be used in treating Class III malocclusion caused by maxillary retrognathism in the period of mixed dentition. The aim of the study was to determine and compare changes on skeletal and dentoalveolar structures in patients with Class III malocclusion treated with the Y appliance and the appliance with screw according to Bertoni. Methods. Forty patients with Class III malocclusion were included in this study. The sample was divided into two groups, with 20 patients in each group. The including criteria were maxillary retrognathism, the period of mixed dentition, and pubertal growth. The excluding criteria were mandibular prognathism, patients with genetical predisposition for skeletal Class III malocclusion, patients with cleft lip and palate or craniofacial syndrome, and the period of permanent dentition. The appliances which caused most changes on the maxilla were used in this study because all patients had a deficiency of maxillary growth. Anamnesis, clinical and functional testing, study casts analysis, analysis of orthopantomograms, lateral cephalograms, extraoral and intraoral photos were done for each patient. Therapeutic effects were analyzed on study casts and lateral cephalograms after this phase of orthodontic treatment. Results. The main dentoalveolar effect was protrusion of the upper incisors. Skeletal effects were not significant. Conclusion. The Y appliance and the appliance with screw according to Bertoni caused greater changes on dentoalveolar structures compared to skeletal changes.

Comparison between maxillary skeletal expander and hybrid hyrax facemask combination in treatment of growing patients with skeletal class III malocclusion: a randomized clinical trial

IntroductionIt has been demonstrated that the use of skeletal anchoring devices for maxillary protraction is a potential method for treating growing patients with class III malocclusion caused by maxillary retrognathism. The aim was to compare the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of maxillary skeletal expander and hybrid hyrax facemask combination in the treatment of developing skeletal class III malocclusion.Patients and methodsThe study comprised 30 developing class III participants randomly selected with maxillary retrognathism in the late mixed or early permanent dentition. In group 1 (n = 10) patients, the maxillary skeletal expander facemask technique was utilized. In group 2 (n = 10) patients, the hybrid hyrax facemask technique was utilized. Group 3 (n = 10) patients, a control with no treatment group. Analysis of pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs was used to evaluate skeletal changes.ResultsThe treatment periods for groups 1 and 2 were 8 and 8.5 months, respectively, whereas the untreated control group was followed for 9 months. In comparison to the untreated control group, the maxilla shifted markedly forward in groups 1 and 2 (4.65 mm in group 1 and 3.72 mm in group 2); overjet was improved without proclination of the upper incisors. However, group 2 had more mandibular opening rotation than group 1.ConclusionThe two maxillary protraction protocols effectively corrected the significant maxillary deficiency in developing class III patients. However, vertical alterations were better controlled by the maxillary skeletal expander facemask combination (group 1), thus it can be used to treat developing class III patients with a hyperdivergent growth pattern.

Biomechanical effects of Skeletally anchored Class III elastics on the maxillofacial complex: a 3D finite element analysis

BackgroundAlthough, the outcomes and changes in the maxillofacial complex after the application of intraoral bone anchored Class III elastics, have been reported by multiple clinical studies, there was no finite element study to assess and evaluate the stress pattern and displacement on maxillomandibular complex with bimaxillary anchorage. The present study aims to evaluate the biomechanical effects on maxillomandibular complex of Skeletally anchored Class III elastics with varying angulations using the 3D finite element analysis.MethodologyTwo 3-dimensional analytical models were developed using the Mimics 8.11 (Materialise: Leuven, Belgium) and ANSYS software Version 12.1 (ANSYS Inc, Canonsburg, PA, USA) from sequential computed tomography images taken from a Skeletal Class III subject. The models were meshed into 465,091 tetrahedral elements and 101,247 nodes. Intraoral mechanics for skeletally anchored maxillary protraction (I-SAMP) were applied on two models i.e. A and B (without and with maxillary expansion respectively) between miniplates on maxilla and mandible on both right and left sides with three different angulations of forces—10°, 20° and 30°).ResultsAlthough the craniomaxillary complex in both the models (A and B) displaced forward while demonstrating rotations in opposite directions, the displacements and rotations decreased gradually with the increase of the angle of load application from 10° to 30°. The mandible rotated clockwise in both the simulations, but the displacement of mandibular surface landmarks was higher in Simulation A. However, the antero-inferior displacement of the glenoid fossa was higher in Simulation B than in A.ConclusionSignificant displacement of maxillofacial sutures and structures was witnessed with I-SAMP with maxillary expansion and Class III elastics for correction of Skeletal Class III with maxillary retrognathism. Thus, I-SAMP with maxillary expansion is a desired protocol for treatment of maxillary retrognathism. However, the prescribed angulation of the Class III elastics should be as low as possible to maximise the desired effects.

Clinical and radiological assessment of rhinomaxillary syndrome in Hansen's disease.

Background More than four million people today live with Hansen's disease, and 200,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Lifetime effects of Hansen's disease manifest as changes to bones of the face, hands and feet, resulting in physical impairment, secondary complications and facial changes that can be detrimental to quality of life, particularly among the elderly. Aims This study aimed to perform a detailed characterization of rhinomaxillary syndrome and its clinical manifestations in older persons treated in the past for Hansen's disease. Methods This was a cross-sectional study to characterize rhinomaxillary syndrome among older persons (age 60+ years) resident at Pedro Fontes Hospital, Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Computed tomography images were examined with three-dimensional reconstructions to assess alterations to maxillofacial bones according to criteria for radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome. Participants were examined to assess facial alterations according to criteria for clinical rhinomaxillary syndrome. Results Rhinomaxillary syndrome was investigated in 16 participants (ten females and six males), median age 70 (range 60-89) years, age at diagnosis 20 (6-43) years and time since diagnosis 46 (26-70) years. Four participants fully met radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome criteria, four partially. All participants with full radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome presented with facial changes which met criteria for clinical rhinomaxillary syndrome, including "saddle nose" (loss of nasal dorsal height and shortened length of nose, due to cartilaginous and/or bone collapse), concave middle third of the face with sunken nose, maxillary retrognathia and inverted upper lip. Limitations Clinical histories were incomplete for some participants because records were lost at the hospital over time. Conclusion Until Hansen's disease is eliminated from endemic countries, persons affected will continue to present with rhinomaxillofacial alterations caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection. Clinical protocols for assessment and long-term care need to include otorhinolaryngological evaluation, mainly to prevent secondary complications. When rhinomaxillofacial bone changes are suspected, this evaluation should be supported by computed tomography imaging, if available.

Interception of Class III malocclusion with facemask: cases' report

A skeletal Class III malocclusion is one of the most difficult anomalies to treat. Class III malocclusion with retruded maxilla can be orthopedically corrected with facemask in deciduous or mixed dentition in mild to moderate cases. The treatment should be carried out as early as possible before the malocclusion becomes severe. These are two case reports of successful treatment of developing skeletal class III malocclusion, on a 7-year-old female patient in early mixed dentition and on a 9-year-old female patient in mixed dentition. Both present a skeletal Class III due to a deficient maxilla. The treatment plan included protraction of the maxilla by a reverse pull Delaire type facemask. The post treatment results showed significant improvement in Class III skeletal relationship and the facial profile, with the correction of the overjet. The purpose of early orthodontic treatment of Class III is to intercept the developing malocclusion and redirect it to physiological development. Cases that show skeletal maxillary retrognathism are cases opt for treatment with facemask. The latter acts by promoting maxillary growth while restricting mandibular growth. Thus, it improves the skeletal relationships, minimizes excessive dental compensation and improves occlusal function. It also provides more pleasing facial aesthetics and may eliminate the necessity for orthognathic surgery treatment in some cases. Early Class III treatment can be done successfully when proper diagnosis and proper treatment plan are carried out carefully.

Postsurgical Stability of Temporomandibular Joint of Skeletal Class III Patients Treated with 2-Jaw Orthognathic Surgery via Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Simulation and Navigation in Orthognathic Surgery (CASNOS).

Objective The aim of this study is to clarify the postsurgical stability of temporomandibular joints in skeletal class III patients treated with 2-jaw orthognathic surgery which was performed utilizing computer-aided three-dimensional simulation and navigation in orthognathic surgery (CASNOS) protocol. Materials and Methods 23 consecutive nongrowing skeletal class III patients with mandibular prognathism associated with maxillary retrognathism treated with 2-jaw orthognathic surgery between 2018 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. The surgery was planned according to the standardized protocol of CASNOS (computer-aided three-dimensional simulation and navigation in orthognathic surgery). Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed in all patients 3 weeks presurgically and 6 months postsurgically. ITKSNAP and 3D Slicer software were used to reconstruct three-dimensional facial skeletal images, to carry out image segmentation, and to superimpose and quantify the TMJ position changes before and after surgery. Amount of displacement of the most medial and lateral points of the condyles and the change of intercondylar angles were measured to evaluate the postsurgical stability of TMJ. Results A total amount of 23 skeletal class III patients (female : male = 12 : 11) with age ranged from 20.3 to 33.5 years (mean: 24.39 ± 4.8 years old) underwent Le Fort I maxillary advancement and BSSO setback of the mandible. The surgical outcome revealed the satisfactory correction of their skeletal deformities. The mean displacement of the right most lateral condylar point (RL-RL′) was 1.04 ± 0.42 mm and the mean displacement of the left most lateral condylar point (LL-LL′) was 1.19 ± 0.41 mm. The mean displacement of the right most medial condylar point (RM-RM′) was 1.03 ± 0.39 mm and the left most medial condylar point (LM-LM′) was 0.96 ± 0.39 mm. The mean intercondylar angle was 161.61 ± 5.08° presurgically and 159.28 ± 4.92° postsurgically. Conclusion The postsurgical position of TM joint condyles in our study only presented a mild change with all the landmark displacement within a range of 1.2 mm. This indicates the bimaxillary orthognathic surgery via 3D CASNOS protocol can achieve a desired and stable result of TMJ position in treating skeletal class III adult patients with retrognathic maxilla and prognathic mandible.

Three-dimensional nasolabial changes after maxillary advancement osteotomy in class III individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Class III malocclusions with maxillary retrognathia are commonly treated with single jaw Le Fort I maxillary advancement. The three-dimensional (3D) effects of surgery on the nasolabial region varies among the clinical studies. Quantifying these changes is of great importance for surgical planning and obtaining valid consent. Objectives To investigate the 3D relationship between soft tissue and skeletal changes secondary to Le Fort I maxillary advancement surgery in skeletal class III patients.Search methods Comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases supplemented by a manual and grey literature search were undertaken from inception to 9 June 2020.Selection criteria Studies that evaluated the 3D soft tissue changes of patients before and after maxillary advancement surgery alone.Data collection and analysis Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with disputes resolved by a third reviewer. A quantitative synthesis of the data was pre-planned for pooling similar outcome measures.Results Four studies were included in the final review and meta-analysis, with a total of 105 patients (mean age 16.7 + 33.9 years). The mean maxillary advancement of the included studies was 5.58 mm (95% CI 5.20-5.96). The sagittal effects of surgery on nose tip projection and prominence were insignificant (P >0.05, two studies); however, subnasal projection (MD 1.7 mm, two studies) and upper lip projection (MD 2.90 mm, four studies) increased significantly in a forward direction after surgery (P <0.05). Le Fort I osteotomy widens the upper philtrum width (MD 0.84 mm, two studies) (P <0.05). Inconsistencies among the included studies were identified; therefore, the results should be interpreted with caution.Conclusions There is weak evidence based on quantitative assessments that Le Fort I maxillary advancement significantly affects the nasolabial soft tissue envelope mainly in a sagittal dimension. These changes are concentrated around the central zone of the nasolabial region. Future prospective studies on maxillary advancement osteotomy with a standardised method of assessment, taking into consideration the confounding factors, are required.

Effects of maxillomandibular advancement surgery on a skeletal Class III patient with obstructive sleep apnea: A case report

This case report describes the successful surgical treatment of a patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A 55-year-old Caucasian male patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.6 kg/m2 sought treatment with a chief concern of excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. An initial polysomnography report showed moderate OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 21.2 events/h, and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) of 12/24. The patient was initially prescribed with CPAP treatment but was unable to tolerate treatment after a few months. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a concave facial profile with maxillary retrognathism. Intraoral examination revealed generalized gingival recession, missing upper lateral incisors and lower first premolars, anterior crossbite, and maxillary transverse deficiency with bilateral posterior crossbite. The lateral cephalogram showed a narrow posterior airway space at the level of the base of the tongue. The patient was treated with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery to improve airway obstruction. Results showed balanced facial esthetic and stable occlusion with a complete resolution of the patient’s OSA and a post-operative improvement of AHI from 21.2 to 0.7 events/h and ESS from 12/24 to 3/24. The lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation during sleep was improved to 97%, and the BMI decreased from 25.6 to 25.2 kg/m2. These results suggest that MMA surgical procedure can be used as a definitive treatment for patients with maxillomandibular deficiency and OSA.

A Three-Dimensional Clinical Evaluation of The Effect of Tandem Appliance in The Treatment of Class III Malocclusion

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the skeletal and dental effects of the Tandem appliance in three dimensions for the correction of skeletal Class III malocclusion. Materials and methods: Twenty-two female girls with skeletal Class III malocclusion due to maxillary retrognathia were selected for this study with age of 7 to 10 years. All patients received The Tandem appliance for treatment of class III malocclusion. CBCT images and digital study models were made at two stages; before and after treatment with The Tandem appliance. CBCT images and digital study models were analyzed and data were statistically analyzed. Results: The use of Tandem appliance significantly enhanced the forward growth of the maxilla without any noticeable effects on the mandible. The anterior and posterior facial height were significantly increased. There was a significant increase in the proclination of the upper incisors and retroclination of the lower incisors. In addition, there was a significant increase in the upper and lower inter-molar widths and also, in the upper inter-canine width. Conclusion: The Tandem appliance showed effective results in the treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusions with maxillary retrognathia. It had a combination of skeletal and dental effects

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Facial Growth of Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Following Modified Veau-Wardill-Kilner Palatoplasty.

To evaluate facial growth after modified Veau-Wardill-Kilner/pushback (PB) palatoplasty from childhood to adulthood in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Retrospective longitudinal study. Single center. Sixty-two (29 males and 33 females) consecutive patients with nonsyndromic UCLP. Pushback palatoplasty and subsequent cleft palate treatment. Lateral and posterior-anterior cephalograms were taken at 3 different phases: phase 1 (before first-stage orthodontic treatment; N = 58; average age, 4.9 ± 1.1 years), phase 2 (before second-stage orthodontic treatment; N = 58; 15.9 ± 1.1 years), and phase 3 (after orthodontic retention; N = 51; 22.1 ± 3.2 years). The majority of patients had skeletal class III morphology in all 3 phases due to retrognathic maxilla. Maxillary growth did not improve in phase 2 despite first-stage orthodontic treatment in phase 1. Maxillary morphology improved in phase 3 but retardation occurred, although 77.42% of patients received orthognathic surgery during second-stage orthodontic treatment. Mandibular growth was slightly reduced in phases 1 and 2 and the mandible remained retrognathic in phase 3, following mandibular setback orthognathic surgery. The horizontal occlusal cant was slightly upward and toward the cleft side with respect to the reference plane, and the upper midline was deviated to the cleft side in phases 1 and 3. Patients with UCLP who undergo phased PB palatoplasty, orthodontic treatment, and orthognathic surgeries do not maintain skeletal class I facial morphology.

An orthodontic perspective on Larsen syndrome

BackgroundLarsen syndrome (LS) is a rare disorder of osteochondrodysplasia. In addition to large-joint dislocations, craniofacial anomalies are typical characteristics. In this report, we performed orthodontic analyses, including skeletal and occlusal evaluations, to examine whether the craniofacial skeletal morphology leads to the craniofacial anomalies in LS.Case presentationA 5 year old Japanese girl who was clinically diagnosed with LS was referred to the orthodontic clinic in the Fukuoka Dental College Medical and Dental Hospital because of a malocclusion. Clinical findings at birth were knee-joint dislocations, equinovarus foot deformities, and cleft soft palate. The patient showed craniofacial anomalies with hypertelorism, prominent forehead, depressed nasal bridge, and flattened midface. To evaluate the craniofacial skeletal morphology, cephalometric analysis was performed. In the frontal cephalometric analysis, the larger widths between bilateral points of the orbitale were related to hypertelorism. The lateral cephalometric analysis revealed the midface hypoplasia and the retrognathic mandible. These findings were responsible for the flattened appearance of the patient’s face, even if the anteroposterior position of the nasion was normal. Her forehead looked prominent in relation to the face probably because of the retrognathic maxilla and mandible. Both the study model and the frontal cephalometric analysis indicated constriction of the upper and lower dental arches. The posterior crossbite facilitated by the premature contacts had developed in association with the constriction of the upper dental arch.ConclusionsThis patient had some craniofacial anomalies with characteristic appearances in LS. It was evident that the underlying skeletal morphology led to the craniofacial dysmorphism.

Determining the short-term effects of different maxillary protraction methods on pharyngeal airway dimensions.

This study sought to evaluate the effects of different maxillary protraction methods on the pharyngeal airway in Class III patients with maxillary retrognathia. A total of 59 individuals (31 females and 28 males) with a mean age of 11.38±1.24years were included in this study. Fifty-nine treated maxillary retrognathic patients who underwent different protraction methods were evaluated. Twenty patients treated with RME (Rapid Maxillary Expansion) made up the first group, and 20 patients treated with 5-week Alt-RAMEC (Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Constriction) protocol comprised the second group. Lastly, 19 patients on whom face masks with miniplates were applied were included in the skeletal anchorage (SA) group. Sixteen linear and four areal pharyngeal airway measurements were made on lateral cephalograms before and after treatment. Differences between the groups were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. The mean maxillary protraction levels were determined as 2.7, 3.69 and 4.01mm in the RME, Alt-RAMEC and SA groups, respectively. In the nasopharynx, AD1-PNS, AD2-PNS, PNS-Ba and PNS-Ho measurements revealed a significant increase in the SA group compared to the other groups (P<.05). In the oropharynx, PNS-Ep measurement increased significantly in the RME group (P<.05). In the total pharyngeal airway area, an increase was detected in the SA, Alt-RAMEC, and RME groups. The most effective protraction method in terms of pharyngeal airway dimensions, especially in the nasopharynx, is the application of the face mask with skeletal anchorage. A greater increase in vertical airway length (PNS-Ep) was observed with RME.

Management of skeletal class III malocclusion by surgery-first approach: A case report

The purpose of Dentofacial Deformity Treatment is to achieve the proper aesthetic and function- al occlusion results. Conventional orthognathic surgery involves a long-term orthodontic phase before surgery for about 18 months, in which patients’ facial appearance worsens and their mo- tivation decreases. In the SFA (surgery first approach) method, the surgery is performed before orthodontics and orthodontic therapy is performed to improve dental occlusion and final settle- ment. Two main advantages of this method are the reduction of the therapy period and the initial improvement in the patient’s facial appearance. The SFA has certain benefits, especially in Class 3 malocclusion. In this case report, a 19-year-old girl with a relatively severe Class 3 malocclu- sion with skeletal discrepancy due to a mandibular prognathism and maxillary retrognathism, and asymmetrical face with chin deviation to left is presented with a unilateral posterior cross bite which was effectively treated using the SFA protocol. The SFA therapy was performed by removing orthodontics before surgery, followed by maxillary advancement surgery, and posterior maxillary impaction and postoperative orthodontic sets to dental alignment and settling the occlusion. De- spite the overall reduction in the orthodontic therapy period to less than 9 months, good results and functional occlusion were obtained.