The development of a novel bidirectional fine-tuning mandibular advancement device.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel mandibular advancement device (MAD) with high comfort, good compliance, and bidirectional fine-tuning capability for patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the new MAD. METHODS: The MAD, featuring upper and lower dental splints with a fine-tuning mechanism for mandibular adjustment, incorporates improved design elements such as partial dental coverage, shortened baffles, and memory resin lining. The novel MAD was used to treat 30 OSAHS patients in the study, comparing pre- and post-treatment scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSO2). RESULTS: The novel MAD reduced size and side effects, enhancing comfort. All patients complied well, using it for an average of 95% over 30 days and ≥ 5 h nightly. After treatment, significant improvements were observed in ESS, AHI, and LSO2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This novel bidirectional adjustable MAD provides high comfort and compliance, improving treatment precision. It is an effective choice for mild to moderate OSAHS patients and an alternative for those intolerant to CPAP or averse to surgery.

[Novel advances in assessment and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea].

The current indicators for assessing obstructive sleep apnea are sleep apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation, but they do not comprehensively reflect the severity of the disease. The main treatments for OSA are continuous positive airway pressure, mandibular advancement devices and surgery, which have poor compliance and limited effectiveness. Therefore, there is a need to explore novel methods to assess and treat OSA. This article systematically summarized recent advances in this field.

Does mandibular advancement ortho-surgical procedure cause condyle changes? A case-series analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular advancement surgery corrects bone bases while establishing patients' functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. However, little is known about the results of this procedure in the structures that make up the stomatognathic system, as the condyles. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the structural and positional changes of mandibular condyles in ortho-surgical patients who underwent mandibular advancement surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective investigation was conducted with cone-beam computed tomography images. Using Dolphin Imaging® software, seven ortho-surgical patients with Angle Class II malocclusion and mandibular deficiency were evaluated. The images assessed were obtained at pre-surgical phase and after, at least, 1 year of the procedure. To study the structural and positional changes of condyles, linear and angular measurements were obtained, and the right and left sides of patients were compared. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and, in order to verify possible significant differences, normality tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) were applied, followed by a paired t-test to define significance. RESULTS: For all measures evaluated in this study, no statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: The ortho-surgical procedure performed did not change the structure and position of the condyles of patients who underwent surgical mandibular advancement. Right and left mandibular condyles behaved similarly, suggesting stability and condylar adaptation after surgery.

Temporomandibular Disorders in Relation to Mandibular Advancement Devices for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) keep the upper airways patent by holding the mandible and attached soft tissues forward via altered position of its condyles relative to the articulating surfaces of the temporal bones. During the first weeks of MAD therapy, pain may occur in the area of the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and/or teeth with a tendency of spontaneous resolution. In patients reporting temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms prior to therapy, the MAD-related anterior condylar position during sleep may result in a reduction of TMD signs and symptoms.

Combination Therapies with an Oral Appliance in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Combination therapy (CT) with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) and positive airway pressure (PAP) has been advocated for patients for whom neither MAD nor PAP alone provides an efficacious and tolerated therapy. This article reviews the small and limited, but growing body of evidence in support of CT and highlights details in its implementation. In most studies, CT was found to be preferred by many, but not all PAP-intolerant patients. CT can be more efficacious than either MAD or PAP alone.

Obstructive sleep apnea: What is an orthodontist's role?

BACKGROUND: The American Association of Orthodontists white paper on obstructive sleep apnea and orthodontics remains the most authoritative statement on the topic. This was produced in 2019 due to increasing orthodontic interest in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the lack of formal guidelines for orthodontists. Since the white paper's release, advocacy for contrarian ideas and practices remain. Orthodontists are sometimes acting as primary care providers for OSA. Procedures appropriate only for screening are sometimes being used for diagnosis. The side effects of effective treatments such as mandibular advancement devices need further consideration. Also, research has clarified the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of treatments such as palatal expansion. RESULTS: Part of an orthodontist's role is screening for OSA. The correct action when this is suspected remains referral to the appropriate physician specialist for diagnosis and treatment or coordination of treatment. Orthodontists may participate in the treatment of patients with OSA as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Effective orthodontic treatments may include orthognathic surgery with maxillomandibular advancement and mandibular advancement devices. The negative effects of the latter make this a choice of last resort. Current research indicates that OSA alone is not sufficient indication for palatal expansion. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists should appropriately screen for obstructive sleep apnea. This may be done as part of our health histories, our clinical examination, and review of radiographs taken for purposes other than the diagnosis and screening for OSA. Orthodontic treatment for OSA can be helpful and effective. However, this may be done only after referral to the appropriate physician specialist, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, with consideration of the likely effectiveness of treatment, and after all likely and potential negative consequences have been considered and thoroughly discussed with the patient.

Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The use of mandibular repositioning devices (MRDs) in the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has gained extensive recognition with relevant clinical evidence of its effectiveness. MRDs are designed to advance and hold the mandible in a protrusive position to widen the upper airway and promote air circulation. This review of the MRD aims to provide an evidence-based update on the optimal design features of an MRD, an analysis of the variety of appliances available, and the current understanding of the action mechanism.

Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea: COMISA.

The term "comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea" (COMISA) has been used to categorize the co-occurrence of the most prevalent and impacting sleep disorders. Meanwhile, both insomnia and sleep apnea have been shown to be associated with increased stress levels and cardiometabolic risk, a major cause of mortality. The better knowledge about such convergence would be critical for better understanding pathophysiological pathways and mechanisms. This article provides an overview of epidemiologic aspects, clinical findings, and mechanisms subsiding COMISA. Odontostomatological approach with mandibular advancement devices are discussed as an effective therapeutic approach in these patients.

Phenotyping OSA: Conceptualization and Implications for Treatment with Mandibular Advancement Devices.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common medical disorder and the most impacting sleep disturbance. OSA derive from the narrowing of the upper airway during sleep, which result in recurrent episodes of ventilatory disturbances expressed by an increased airflow resistance (flow limitation and hypopneas) and often an absence of ventilation (apneas). The high heterogeneity in the clinical picture of OSA turns diagnostic and treatment challenging. In the last decade different phenotypes, referring to specific categories of patients that can be distinguished from others by features and related clinical meaningful attributes, were identified. Those phenotypes may predict clinically important outcomes as those deriving from MAD therapy.

A mandibular advancement device attenuates the abnormal morphology and function of mitochondria from the genioglossus in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Mandibular advancement device (MAD) has the characteristics of non-invasive, comfortable, portable and low-cost, making it the preferred treatment for mild-to-moderate OSAHS. Our previous studies found that abnormal contractility and fibre type distribution of the genioglossus could be caused by OSAHS. However, whether the mitochondria participate in these tissue changes is unclear. The effect of MAD treatment on the mitochondria of the genioglossus in OSAHS is also uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To examine the morphology and function of mitochondria from the genioglossus in a rabbit model of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), as well as these factors after insertion of a mandibular advancement device (MAD). METHODS: Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomised into three groups: control, OSAHS and MAD, with 10 rabbits in each group. Animals in Group OSAHS and Group MAD were induced to develop OSAHS by injection of gel into the submucosal muscular layer of the soft palate. The rabbits in Group MAD were fitted with a MAD. The animals in the control group were not treated. Further, polysomnography (PSG) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan were used to measure MAD effectiveness. CBCT of the upper airway and PSG suggested that MAD was effective. Rabbits in the three groups were induced to sleep for 4-6 h per day for eight consecutive weeks. The genioglossus was harvested and detected by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial complex I and IV activities were detected by mitochondrial complex assay kits. RESULTS: OSAHS-like symptoms were induced successfully in Group OSAHS and rescued by MAD treatment. The relative values of the mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial complex I activity and complex IV activity were significantly lower in Group OSAHS than in the control group; however, there was no significant difference between Group MAD and the control group. The OSAHS-induced injury and the dysfunctional mitochondria of the genioglossus muscle were reduced by MAD treatment. CONCLUSION: Damaged mitochondrial structure and function were induced by OSAHS and could be attenuated by MAD treatment.

Mandibular Advancement vs Combined Airway and Positional Therapy for Snoring: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Approximately 150 million individuals in the US snore in the absence of obstructive sleep apnea (primary snoring), but few studies have examined the efficacy of treatments for snoring or evaluated the effect of snoring in sleeping partners. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 2 treatments for primary snoring. Design, Setting, and Participants: This pilot randomized clinical trial that included a convenience sample of people who snore without sleep apnea and their sleeping partner who underwent 4 weeks of snoring treatment was conducted at an academic medical center between October 3, 2022, and July 3, 2023. Interventions: Fifty couples were randomized to either use a mandibular advancement device (MAD) or receive combined airway and positional therapy (CAPT; external nasal dilator, nasal saline lavage with mometasone, mouth taping, and lateral positional therapy). Main Outcome and Measure: Percentage of sleeping partners who reported that their partner's snoring was either very much improved or much improved (responder) on the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale. Results: A total of 42 dyads completed the study; 23 (55%) were randomized to MAD and 19 (45%) to CAPT. Among people who snore, 26 (62%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 48 (14) years. Of 23 dyads randomized to MAD, 21 people who snore (91%) were rated by the sleeping partner as a responder, while 11 of the 19 dyads (58%) randomized to CAPT were rated by the sleeping partner as responder, resulting in a difference of 33 percentage points (95% CI, 8-58) and a number needed to treat of 3. Of the 10 participants who were withdrawn, 4 were withdrawn due to adverse effects of the treatment that were evenly distributed between the MAD (n = 2) and CAPT (n = 2) groups. Conclusion and Relevance: The results of this randomized clinical trial showed that the MAD may be more effective than CAPT for treating primary snoring, while both treatment options were found to reduce primary snoring. Physicians should have a patient-centered discussion to determine which treatment is best for individual patients with primary snoring, weighing convenience, adverse effects, and cost as factors. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05756647.

The effect of different hybrid rigid internal fixation techniques on the postoperative stability following a mandibular advancement using a bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy: A retrospective three-dimensional comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To three-dimensionally evaluate post-operative mandibular stability following bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies between hybrid and non-hybrid rigid internal fixation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Seventy adults with skeletal class II deformity who underwent bilateral split sagittal osteotomy with mandibular advancement were included. Patients were divided into four groups based on their fixation techniques: hybrid technique (HT) groups I, II, and IV received a 4-hole 2 mm miniplate with either a bicortical screw (BS), additional 2 mm 4-hole miniplate, or two-hole miniplate, while non-HT group III received a 4-hole 2 mm miniplate with four mini-screws (MS). Measurements were taken pre-operatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), and ≥1 year after surgery (T2) using 3D Slicer software. RESULTS: Age, sex, and follow-up period did not correlate significantly with postoperative relapse or stability. Significant differences were observed in the advancement on the right side between groups II, III, and IV and on the left side between groups I, III, and IV. However, the type of surgical intervention showed no significant effect on postoperative relapse and stability. All groups of fixations showed satisfactory stability with irrelevant relapse (< 2 mm or 2°). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable stability among different fixation groups on patients undergoing mandibular advancement following bilateral split sagittal osteotomy. The results highlighted the importance of considering the degree of advancement when planning orthognathic surgery and managing postoperative outcomes.

Does adjunctive fixation in conjunction with miniplate affect condylar position and morphology after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy? A retrospective 3-dimensional CT comparative study.

To minimize condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO), surgeons add either a bicortical screw or a two-hole plate distal to the conventional single miniplate. Since there have been no previous studies investigating the effect of this combination, our study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of these adjunctive fixation methods (AFM) on condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with retruded mandibles who were treated in the Department of Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The patients were divided into two groups based on the primary predictor variable, which was the addition of AFM - either a single bicortical screw or a two-hole plate in addition to the single miniplate. The primary outcome variable was the condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. Three-dimensional facial CT scans were obtained at three different time points (preoperatively - T0, 1 week postoperatively - T1, and 1 year postoperatively - T2) and analyzed using ITK-SNAP, 3D Slicer, and SlicerSALT software. Intergroup comparisons were conducted with an independent t-test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Correlations between the variables were estimated by Pearson correlation. The study comprised 51 patients (32 females, 19 males; mean age 25.13 ± 4.24 years), involving a total of 81 condyles (21 unilateral and 60 bilateral). There was a significant difference in long-term condylar displacement in favor of AFM along with a single miniplate (p < 0.001). The bicortical screw group recorded less condylar displacement than the two-hole plate group horizontally (0.11 mm vs 0.22 mm) and sagittally (0.03 mm vs 0.17 mm), but more vertically (0.85 mm vs 0.03 mm). Bone formation associated with AFM occurred on all condylar surfaces, compared with only three surfaces in the single miniplate group. The adjunctive method in addition to the single miniplate fixation method showed less condylar displacement and more bone apposition after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. The follow-up duration variable was the only significant determinant for volumetric changes in the condyle.

Mandibular Advancement vs CPAP for Blood Pressure Reduction in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension guidelines recommend diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with hypertension. The mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an oral appliance therapy for patients who decline or cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). OBJECTIVES: We compared the relative effectiveness of MAD vs CPAP in reducing 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP). METHODS: In an investigator-initiated, randomized, noninferiority trial (prespecified margin 1.5 mm Hg), 321 participants aged ≥40 years with hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk were recruited at 3 public hospitals for polysomnography. Of these, 220 participants with moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events per hour) were randomized to either MAD or CPAP (1:1). The primary outcome was the difference between the 24-hour mean arterial BP at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, the 24-hour mean arterial BP decreased by 2.5 mm Hg (P = 0.003) at 6 months in the MAD group, whereas no change was observed in the CPAP group (P = 0.374). The between-group difference was -1.6 mm Hg (95% CI: -3.51 to 0.24, noninferiority P < 0.001). The MAD group demonstrated a larger between-group reduction in all secondary ambulatory BP parameters compared with the CPAP group, with the most pronounced effects observed in the asleep BP parameters. Both the MAD and CPAP improved daytime sleepiness, with the between-group difference similar (P = 0.384). There were no between-group differences in cardiovascular biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: MAD is noninferior to CPAP for reducing 24-hour mean arterial BP in participants with hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. (Cardiosleep Research Program on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Blood Pressure Control and Maladaptive Myocardial Remodeling-Non-inferiority Trial [CRESCENT]; NCT04119999).

Non-sleep related outcomes of maxillomandibular advancement, a systematic review.

Maxillomandibular advancement has been shown to be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea; however, the literature focuses mainly on sleep-related parameters such as apnea-hypopnea index, respiratory disturbance index and Epworth sleepiness scale. Other factors that may be important to patients, such as esthetics, patient satisfaction, nasality, swallowing problems and so forth have been reported in the literature but have not been systematically studied. Together with an information specialist, an extensive search in Medline, Embase and Scopus yielded 1592 unique articles. Titles and abstracts were screened by two blinded reviewers. In total, 75 articles were deemed eligible for full-text screening and 38 articles were included for qualitative synthesis. The most common categories of non-sleep related outcomes found were surgical accuracy, facial esthetics, functional outcomes, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and emotional health. All categories were reported using heterogenous methods, such that meta-analysis could not be performed. There was lack of consistent methods to assess these outcomes. This work is the first to systematically review non-sleep related outcomes of maxillomandibular advancement. Despite growing interest in evaluating surgical outcomes through patient subjective experiences, this review points to the need of standardized, validated methods to report these outcomes.

Comparative analysis of two custom-made mandibular advancement devices with varied designs for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Custom-made titratable mandibular advancement device (MAD) treatment can nowadays be considered a promising first-line treatment in patients with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Specific manufacturing designs and titration mechanisms of MAD are on the market, characterized by their titration approach, vertical opening, and materials selection. The wing-designed MAD (SomnoDent® Flex™, SomnoMed Ltd, Sydney, Australia) has a lateral screw mechanism to advance the lower jaw in incremental steps of 0.1 up to 6.0 mm. The newer uniquely designed custom-made MAD with passive mouth closing (SomnoDent® Avant™ SomnoMed Ltd, Sydney, Australia) has a frontal exchangeable advancement strap of fixed lengths as a specific titration mechanism, all supporting freedom of lateral movement. We aimed to assess the associations between the type of MAD prescribed and OSA treatment outcome. METHODS: Data from 209 patients (165 male, mean age 53.9 (±10.9) years, median baseline BMI and AHI 27.02 [24.8; 29.7] kg/m2 and 22.8 [17.7; 31.6]/hour sleep, respectively) were collected. Of this cohort, 91 patients with the traditional, wing-based SomnoDent® Flex™ and 118 patients with SomnoDent® Avant™. All patients were diagnosed with a type 1 polysomnography demonstrating moderate to severe OSA (15 ≤ AHI ≤65 per hour sleep). The selected MAD was fitted in the so-called maximal comfortable protrusion. After 3 months of subjective titration until resolution of subjective symptoms and/or achieving physical limits, a checkup with validated home sleep monitoring was conducted. Treatment success was defined as "AHI reduction ≥50% with MAD compared to baseline AHI and AHI with MAD <10 events per hour". RESULTS: These real-world data set showed that 67% of patients achieved treatment success, with a statistically significant reduction in AHI from 22.8 [17.7; 31.6] to 7.45 [3.4; 15.0]/h sleep. The SomnoDent® Avant™ achieved 75% treatment success versus 56% for the traditional, wing-based SomnoDent® Flex™ (P < 0.05). Overall, AHI reduction was 70% for SomnoDent® Avant™ (P < 0.05) vs. 63% for SomnoDent® Flex™ (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that choice of MAD design can impact the treatment outcome and could become an important consideration in selecting the type of MAD for personalized treatment for OSA patients. While the results of the traditional wing-based MAD design were comparable to the therapeutic outcome with other titratable, custom-made MADs, the MAD with the passive mouth closing feature showed significantly greater reduction in total AHI potentially due to encouraged nasal breathing, reduced mouth breathing and lesser vertical opening thereby decreasing the probability of tongue base collapse.

The predictive value of mandibular advancement maneuvers during drug-induced sleep endoscopy for treatment success of oral appliance treatment in obstructive sleep apnea: a prospective study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To prospectively validate drug-induced sleep endoscopy with mandibular advancement maneuvers as a prediction tool for treatment success of oral appliance treatment (OAT). METHODS: Seventy-seven patients diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea were included and underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy. The upper airway collapse was assessed using the VOTE classification. Additionally, three mandibular advancement maneuvers were performed to predict treatment success of OAT. If the maneuver was negative, the level and degree and configuration of the persistent collapse was described according to the VOTE classification. All patients were treated with OAT and completed a follow-up sleep study with OAT in situ without regard to their anticipated response to treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients completed 6-month follow up. A positive jaw thrust maneuver proved to be significantly associated with favorable OAT response, whereas the chin lift maneuver and the vertical chin lift maneuver were not. Additionally, a persistent lateral oropharyngeal collapse when performing any mandibular advancement maneuver was significantly associated with unfavorable OAT response. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that a jaw thrust maneuver should be preferred over the chin lift maneuver for predicting OAT response. Patients with a positive jaw thrust maneuver should be counseled toward favorable OAT response, whereas those with persistent lateral oropharyngeal collapse should be advised about the likelihood of unfavorable OAT response. A negative jaw thrust maneuver did not prove to be a significant predictor for unfavorable response to OAT. Consequently, uncertainties arise regarding the justification of performing drug-induced sleep endoscopy solely for predicting the efficacy of OAT. However, the results of the current study could be influenced by heterogeneity in the assessment of respiratory parameters, variability in the performance of the mandibular advancement maneuvers, and the instability of bolus technique sedation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: Netherlands Trial Register; Name: Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy: a prediction tool for success rate of oral appliance treatment; Identifier: NL8425; URL: https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/20741. CITATION: Veugen CCAFM, Kant E, Kelder JC, Schipper A, Stokroos RJ, Copper MP. The predictive value of mandibular advancement maneuvers during drug-induced sleep endoscopy for treatment success of oral appliance treatment in obstructive sleep apnea: a prospective study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(3): 353-361.

Is significant mandibular advancement possible after the peak of puberty? Dento-osseous palatal expansion and the STM4 technique (Skeletal Therapy Manni Telescopic Herbst 4 miniscrews): A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of skeletal class II growing patients often requires the use of functional appliances, aimed at promoting mandibular advancement. Among these, Herbst appliance is recommended for its effectiveness, efficiency, and reduced need for compliance. Despite its skeletal favourable effects, well-known dental compensations can occur, especially when the appliance is not used close to the pubertal peak: upper incisors retroclination, lower incisors proclination, upper molars distalization and lower molars mesialization could reduce the overjet needed for a proper mandibular advancement. To counteract these unfavourable effects skeletal anchorage could be crucial. AIM: The aim of this case report is to describe and evaluate the effects of using a skeletally anchored Herbst appliance in an 18-year-old (CVM5) male patient with skeletal Class II malocclusion and a convex profile. TREATMENT PROTOCOL: The treatment started with a tooth-bone-borne palatal expansion, then the upper arch was bonded with pre-adjusted ceramic brackets. After 2months, a Manni Telescopic Herbst (MTH) supported by 4 miniscrews (two in the maxilla and two in the mandible) was applied. To avoid anchorage loss, TADs were connected with elastic chains to the arches. Nine months later, the Herbst was removed, the lower teeth were bonded and the patient wore class 2 elastics to stabilise the occlusion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After 24months the treatment goal was achieved with a considerable improvement of the profile and a clinically significant mandibular advancement (Pogonion moved forward 7mm). A one-year follow-up lateral X-rays showed a good stability of the result.