Search Results (3)

Objective: This paper aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) II System, compared to the Sander bite-jumping appliance (SBJ) and an untreated control group, in the treatment of Class II skeletal malocclusion in children. Methods: Thirty Class II patients treated with the RME II System (Group R) were compared to 30 patients treated with the SBJ (Group S) and 30 untreated Class II children (Group C). Cephalograms were analysed at the beginning of the study (T0) and at the end of the treatment (T1). Eight cephalometric parameters were evaluated: the divergence angle (SN-MP), ANB, lower face height (LFH), CO-GN, 1 + SN, IMPA, overjet, and overbite. The Shapiro–Wilk normality test was conducted to assess the distribution of the data. A t-test was then used for pairwise comparisons of the cephalometric measurements between T0 and T1. Differences among the groups were analysed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc correction. Results: ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference for all analysed variables except 1 + SN. The post hoc Tukey’s test identified the following differences: SN-MP was 2.51° greater in Group S than in Group R, LFH was 5.46 mm greater in Group C than in Group R and 3.11 mm greater in Group S than in Group R, IMPA was 4.01° greater in Group S than in Group R, and overbite was 1.96 mm lower in Group S than in Group R. Conclusions: The RME II System provides better control of mandibular plane inclination and lower incisor proclination during the correction of Class II skeletal malocclusion. Both devices are effective in correcting Class II skeletal malocclusion. Full article

Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrognathia is associated with a posterior positioning of the tongue and the hyoid bone, reducing the oropharyngeal volume. This could be a contributing factor to the development of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. This study evaluates the oropharyngeal volume variation in 13 patients with class II malocclusion undergoing functional orthopedic treatment with Sander Bite Jumping Appliance (SBJ). CBCT scans were performed before treatment (T0) and approximately after 12.5 months (T1): the retropalatal volume and retroglossal volume were quantified in mm³ using a segmentation software. At T1, the retropalatal volume increased in 2523 ± 2088 mm³, and the retroglossal volume increased in 2258 ± 1717 mm³. Both values were statistically significant (p < 0.05). This widening of the airways may allow prevention and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Full article

Purpose: In recent years, a method for improving gummy smiles in adults using an orthodontic anchor screw has been reported, but there is yet to be a treatment for the gummy smiles of those in the growth period. Methods: We improved the gummy smiles of three class II patients with vertical excessive growth of the upper jaw, during their growth period, using a simple bite jumping appliance (SBJA) and a high pull J-hook headgear. Results: It was found that SBJA promoted mandibular growth and the high-pull J-hook headgear inhibited the vertical growth of the maxillary anterior teeth. Conclusion: It is suggested that a combined use of high-pull J-hook headgear and SBJA is an effective way of improving gummy smiles in class II patients with vertical excessive growth of the upper jaw during their growth period. Full article