MATERIALS & METHODS: 20 consecutive skeletal Class III patients between the ages of 9 and13 (mean age 11.10 +/- 1.1years) were treated using Class III intermaxillary elastics and bilateral miniplates (2 in the infra-zygomatic crests of the maxilla and 2 in the anterior mandible). The patients had CBCTs taken before initial loading (T1), and one year out (T2). 3-D models were generated from the CBCTs, registered on the anterior cranial base and analyzed using color-maps.
RESULTS: miniplates assisted orthopedic traction produced sagittal skeletal changes. Posterior displacement of the mandible at T2 was observed for all subjects (mean 2.9mm (SD+/-0.86) for posterior ramus, 2.0mm (SD +/- 0.79) for the condyles and 0.56mm (SD +/-1.55) for the chin). Remodeling of the glenoid fossa at the anterior eminence (0.89mm +/- 1.38) apposition and resorption at the posterior wall (0.72mm +/- 0.45) was observed in most patients.
CONCLUSION: This new treatment approach induces a favorable control of mandibular growth for patients with components of mandibular prognathism. Futures studies with long-term follow-up and comparisons to facemask/chincup therapies are needed to better understand the treatment effects.
Supported by NIH D005215