Digital analysis of the occlusal changes and palatal morphology using elastodontic devices. A prospective clinical study including Class II subjects in mixed dentition.

AIM: The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of elastodontic appliance (EAs) in the treatment of subjects presenting Class II sagittal discrepancy in mixed dentition, and to evaluate palatal morphological development during treatment. MATERIALS: The study group, composed of 19 subjects, received treatment with EA for 1 year. The control group consisted of 17 untreated subjects. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age between 6 and 11 years, mixed deciduous dentition and skeletal and/or dental Class II malocclusion. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: previous orthodontic therapy, systemic diseases and signs of temporal dysfunction. Skeletal and dentoalveolar parameters were compared between T0 and T1. A 3D imaging technology was used to compare palatal morphology obtained from intra-oral digital scans between T0 (pre-treatment) and T1 (post-treatment). CONCLUSION: EAs can successfully mitigate early signs of malocclusion in Class II subjects as well as contribute to the harmonious development of the palate.