Total maxillary arch distalization with modified C-palatal plates in adolescents: A long-term study using cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to evaluate the long-term skeletodental effects, the volume of maxillary tuberosity, and airway space changes after maxillary molar distalization using modified C-palatal plate (MCPP) in adolescents with Class II malocclusion. METHODS: The sample consisted of 20 adolescent patients (MCPP group; mean age, 12.9 ± 1.0 year) who underwent bilateral distalization of their maxillary dentition and 20 subjects as a control group. In the MCPP group, cone-beam computed tomography images were taken before distalization, at the end of the treatment, and during retention with a minimum of a 3-year posttreatment follow up period. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis with the Bonferroni test were used to identify significant differences between time points. RESULTS: After the long-term observation period, sagittal skeletal and dental relationships were maintained (there were no significant changes in ANB, occlusal plane angle, and overjet postretention). The vertical skeletal dimension did not change during treatment and was stable at the long-term follow-up (the mandibular plane angle and ANS-Me were relatively well maintained). The volume of the maxillary tuberosity showed no significant change during long-term retention. However, the volume was significantly smaller in the treatment group than in the control group (P <0.0001). There were no significant airway space changes after distalization and the postretention period. In addition, there was no significant difference between the MCPP and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Improved sagittal skeletal and dental relationships because of treatment were maintained in the long-term evaluation. There was no negative long-term effect on airway space associated with the maxillary arch distalization. Therefore, these findings might be beneficial for clinicians in diagnosis and treatment planning for Class II malocclusion in adolescents.

Comparison of facial esthetic standards between Latin American and Asian populations using 3D stereophotogrammetric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the facial esthetic standards between Paraguayan and Korean beauty pageant contestants as well as to evaluate the deviation in Farkas proportion indexes (PI) from the golden ratio for each group using three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetric analysis. METHODS: 3D soft tissue images of 34 Miss Paraguay (MP) and 54 Miss Korea (MK) pageant contestants were obtained. The 3D images were digitized and 52 measurements and ratios were calculated. One-way multivariate analysis of variance was applied to compare the two groups. One-sample t-test was applied to assess the differences between the PI of each group and the golden ratio. RESULTS: The MP group showed greater mouth width, total vermilion perimeter, and lower lip protrusion (P < 0.001) than the MK group. Meanwhile, the MK group showed longer forehead height and total facial height (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). All Farkas PIs in each group showed significant differences from the golden ratio except for PI19 (upper/lower vermilion heights). CONCLUSIONS: Paraguayans favor rectangular faces with wide mouths and large lips, especially the lower lips, whereas Koreans prefer long tapered faces with small mouths and lips. All proportion indexes were significantly different from the golden ratio except for PI19. Therefore, it would be beneficial for clinicians to consider the differences in ethnic preferences in facial esthetics during diagnosis and treatment planning.

Comparison of Treatment Effects with Modified C-Palatal Plates vs Greenfield Molar Distalizer Appliances in Adolescents.

Objectives: The aim of study was to evaluate skeletodental and soft tissue treatment effects and the amount of maxillary molar distalization with modified C-palatal plates vs. Greenfield molar distalizer appliances in adolescents. Study design: The samples consisted of pre- and posttreatment lateral cephalograms collected from 39 patients with Class II malocclusion. The MCPP group was comprised of 21 patients (mean age: 11.7 ± 1.3 years) treated with MCPP appliances while the GMD group included 18 patients (mean age: 11.2 ± 0.9 years) treated with GMD. Fixed orthodontic treatment started with the distalization process in both groups. From each cephalograpm, twenty-nine variables were measured for analysis and then the two groups were compared. Descriptive statistics, a paired t-test, and multivariate analysis of variance were performed to compare the treatment effects within and between the groups. Results: There was significant treatmentrelated change in the sagittal position of the maxilla and the mandible within each group. However, there were no statistically significant inter-group differences. The mean maxillary first molar distalization was 3.96 mm in the MCPP group vs. 2.85 mm in the GMD group. Both groups showed minimal distal tipping, but the maxillary incisors were significantly extruded by 3.04 ± 0.89 mm (P < .001) in GMD group. There was no significant difference in treatment duration between the groups. Conclusions: The maxillary first molars of both the MCPP and GMD groups were effectively distalized and there were significant skeletal changes in the maxilla. However, the maxillary incisors were significantly extruded in the GMD group.

Treatment stability after total maxillary arch distalization with modified C-palatal plates in adults.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue changes at 3 years posttreatment in patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion treated with modified C-palatal plates (MCPPs). METHODS: The sample consisted of 69 lateral cephalograms of 23 patients Class II Division 1 malocclusion (9 men, 14 women; average age, 20.1 years) who underwent bilateral distalization of their maxillary dentition. The lateral cephalograms were taken immediately before the placement of the MCPPs (T1); at the end of orthodontic fixed appliance therapy (T2); and at the posttreatment observation period (3 years posttreatment; T3). Twenty-three variables were measured. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis using Bonferroni test was used to identify significant differences between time points. RESULTS: Maxillary first molars showed a distal movement of 3.44 ± 1.08 mm (P <0.001) distal crown tipping of 2.35° ± 6.74°, and intrusion of 1.42 ± 1.12 mm from T1 to T2. However, from T2 to T3, there was an average of 0.41 ± 0.25 mm of mesial movement, 0.50 ± 0.46 mm of extrusion, and insignificant mesial crown tipping (0.92° ± 2.46°; P = 0.06). The nasolabial angle increased 9.36° ± 6.04° from T1 to T2 (P <0.001) but then decreased 1.55° ± 1.54° from T2 to T3. CONCLUSIONS: MCPPs are a viable treatment option for maxillary total arch distalization with minimal changes in treatment effects 3 years posttreatment.