Concepts on functional appliances' mode of action

Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis of airway volume in growing class II patients treated with Frankel II appliance

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the airway volume changes associated with the use of Frankel appliance (FR II) in Class II malocclusion patients using three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 31 Class II malocclusion patients (mean age 9.24 ± 1.93 years old, 17 males (54.8%) and 14 females (45.2%)) treated with FR II appliance by the same orthodontist for an average of 9 months ± 20 days. CBCT images were taken before and after treatment and upper airway volume changes were measured using Dolphin 3D software version11.0 (Dolphin Imaging, Chatsworth, CA) and statistically compared.

RESULTS

Airway volume of nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx and the total airway volume significantly increased after the use of FR II appliance. In addition, significant increase was reported in maxillary base, inter-molar, inter-premolar and inter-canine width. Significant increase in soft tissue thickness was only recorded opposite to CV2.

CONCLUSION

The use of the FR II appliance in growing subjects with Class II malocclusion led to a significant increase in the upper airway volume in addition to the anticipated dental and skeletal transverse expansion effects.

Masseter muscle thickness and vertical cephalometric characteristics in children with Class II malocclusion

Background

Masseter muscle thickness and its relationship with vertical craniofacial morphology have been extensively studied in adults, but data on children are lacking.

Objective

To examine the association between masseter muscle thickness and vertical cephalometric parameters in a group of Class II malocclusion growing children.

Methods

The current study design was retrospective and cross‐sectional, looking at a sample of 211 growing children with Class II malocclusion between the ages of 6 and 15 derived from two centers. Ultrasonographic masseter muscle thickness measurements and vertical cephalometric variables, including the gonial angle, were evaluated before any orthodontic treatment had been carried out. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between masseter muscle thickness and vertical cephalometric measurements, including age and patient origin as independent variables in the analysis.

Results

In the present sample, masseter muscle thickness was found to be independent of sex, but correlated with age, with older children presenting thicker masseter muscles. In the total patient sample, using multiple regression analyses, children with thicker masseter muscles had significantly smaller intermaxillary and gonial angles. No other cephalometric vertical characteristics showed associations with masseter muscle thickness.

Conclusion

In growing children with Class II malocclusion, those with thicker masseter muscles are more likely to display smaller intermaxillary and gonial angles respectively.

Stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint after mandibular protraction: a three-dimensional finite element study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the stress patterns in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during mandibular protraction at different horizontal advancements with constant vertical height in a construction bite using a three-dimensional finite element method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A three-dimensional computer-aided model was developed from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a growing boy (age 12 years) using MIMICS software (version 7.0, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Stresses with constant vertical opening of 5 mm changing the sagittal advancements from 0 mm to 5 mm and 7.5 mm were recorded. Differences in magnitude and pattern of stresses were compared.

RESULTS

The tensile stresses in the posterosuperior aspect of the condylar head and on the posterior aspect of the glenoid fossa migrated posteriorly with increased bite advancements. The location of tensile stresses changed in the condylar head and fossa on mandibular protraction of 5 mm to 7 mm.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that larger horizontal advancements of construction bites may not be favorable for tissues of TMJ. Clinical application necessitates study on an animal model.

Impact of functional appliances on muscle activity: a surface electromyography study in children

Background

Electromyography (EMG) is the most objective tool for assessing changes in the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the tone of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in growing children before and after 6 months of treatment with functional removable orthodontic appliances.

Material/Methods

The sample conisted of 51 patients with a mean age 10.7 years with Class II malocclusion. EMG recordings were performed by using a DAB-Bluetooth instrument (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany). Recordings were performed in mandibular rest position, during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and during maximum effort.

Results

The results of the study indicated that the electrical activity of the muscles in each of the clinical situations was the same in the group of girls and boys. The factor that determined the activity of the muscles was their type. In mandibular rest position and in MVC, the activity of the temporalis muscles was significantly higher that that of the masseter muscels. The maximum effort test indicated a higher fatigue in masseter than in temporalis muscles.

Conclusions

Surface electromyography is a useful tool for monitoring muscle activity. A 6-month period of functional therapy resulted in changes in the activity of the masticatory muscles.

Masseter muscle thickness as a predictive variable in treatment outcome of the twin-block appliance and masseteric thickness changes during treatment

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the association of initial masseter muscle thickness with treatment outcomes using functional appliances and the effect of treatment on masseter muscle thickness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-two children, aged 8-12, with skeletal and dental class II relationships and increased overjet were treated with twin-block appliances for 9-17 months, until a class I molar relationship and decreased overjet was achieved. Dental casts, lateral cephalograms, and ultrasonographic measurements of the masseter muscle were performed before and after treatment. Twenty-two children, aged 8-12, without immediate need for orthodontic treatment, served as controls. They were observed for 11-17 months, and ultrasonographic masseter muscle measurements were taken before and after the observation period.

RESULTS

Masseter muscles in treated children were thinner at the end of treatment, while untreated controls showed an increase in thickness. Treated children with thinner pre-treatment muscles showed greater mandibular incisor proclination, distalisation of maxillary molars, and posterior displacement of the cephalometric A point during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of a dental class II relationship with functional appliances leads to mild atrophy of the masticatory muscles, possibly because of their decreased functional activity. The initial condition of the muscles may be associated with mandibular incisor proclination, and the position of maxillary first molars and A point.

Predictive value of molar bite force on Class II functional appliance treatment outcomes

Sagittal intermaxillary changes brought about by functional appliances show large inter-individual variation. One factor that may in part explain these differences is the masticatory musculature and its functional capacity. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in maximal molar bite force during functional appliance treatment and to assess the influence of pre-treatment maximal molar bite force on treatment outcomes with functional appliances used in Class II malocclusion children. Twenty-five children (17 males and 8 females), aged 9-13 years, with a Class II malocclusion and increased overjet were treated with functional appliances for 1-2 years. Dental casts, lateral cephalograms, maximal molar bite force, and finger force measurements were performed before (T1) and after (T2) treatment. These same measurements were also performed 1-2 years before treatment (T0); the intermediate period before starting treatment served as the control. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine possible correlations between initial maximal molar bite force and dental or cephalometric changes during treatment. Maximal molar bite force, which increased pre-treatment (T0-T1), decreased during functional appliance treatment (T1-T2). Children with a weaker T1 maximal molar bite force showed a larger overjet reduction, greater improvement in molar relationship, greater reduction in ANB angle, and greater augmentation in SNB angle from T1 to T2. Treatment of children with Class II malocclusions with functional appliances seems to lead to more favourable treatment outcomes in those with a weaker maximal molar bite force. This was observed both as regards improvements in dental sagittal relationships, namely overjet and molar Class, as well as skeletal changes due to a decrease in ANB and an increase in SNB angles.

Skeletal effects of bite jumping therapy on the mandible - removable vs. fixed functional appliances

AUTHORS: Shen G, Hagg U, Darendeliler MA.

OBJECTIVE

Based on an extensive review of the literature, the aim of this study was to explore the mainstream consensus on the controversial topic of whether the bite jumping treatment could enhance mandibular growth.

DESIGN

The data for removable and fixed functional appliances were respectively comprehended and analyzed with regard to their attributes in mandibular growth modification. Furthermore, numerous reported findings were assessed by relating them to some important factors influencing the effects of bite jumping, such as treatment timing, treatment duration and post-treatment follow-up, to allow for a more objective and accurate evaluation.

RESULTS

The key differences between removable and fixed appliances are working hours (intermittent vs. continuous), length of treatment time (long vs. short), optimal treatment timing (before puberty growth vs. at or after puberty spurt), and mode of bite-jumping (considerable vertical opening vs. limited vertical opening). These different features lead to different treatment effects on mandibular and TMJ growth, such as the intensity of possibly increased growth (clinically less significant vs. significant), the direction of enhanced growth (vertical vs. horizontal), and the stability of treatment changes (unstable vs. stable). The short-term or long-term post-treatment relapse mainly relates to the rebound of dental position.

CONCLUSION

The immediate effects of bite jumping functional appliances on the mandibular growth enhancement are convincing during actual treatment. This extra gain of growth might be sustainable during the short-term and long-term post-treatment period.

The effects of intraoral splints on the masticatory system of pigs

While evidence exists to support the effectiveness of splints on conditions involving the masticatory musculature, few research projects have examined the results of long-term splint wear. The purpose of this study was to examine the function of the masticatory system over a 2-month time period of splint wear. Young adult female miniature pigs were divided into three groups: a control (C) group that wore no intraoral splint, a control splint (CS) group that wore a splint increasing bite height, and a protrusive splint (PS) group that wore a splint increasing bite height and moving the mandible anteriorly. Splints were worn constantly. Fine-wire needle EMG was performed prior to splint delivery and at 1 and 2 months post-splint delivery. Bilateral superficial masseters and zygomaticomandibularis (ZM, equivalent to deep masseter) muscles were monitored during normal feeding. Absolute EMG output, percentage output, and cycle timing were unaffected by chronic splint wear. However, chewing coordination was significantly changed in the splinted groups in both sessions post-splint delivery relative to baseline readings and to the C group (P < 0.005). Trends indicate that the coordination of the PS group was more greatly altered than that of the CS group.

Morphologic changes in the TMJ following splint wear

Intraoral splints are a commonly used dental treatment for a variety of conditions. Because such splints alter the condyle-disc-fossa relationship, they probably change the loading status of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including the TMJ disc. Collagen, a major constituent of the disc, acts to resist tensile loading, and it is presumed that the fiber orientations of the individual disc bands reflect their functional loading. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine effects of intraoral splint wear on TMJ morphology in general, and collagen orientation of the intra-articular disc in particular. Young adult, female miniature pigs were divided into three groups: open-bite splint, protrusive-bite splint, and unsplinted control. Splints were worn for 2 months, after which the TMJ discs were harvested for histological examination and stereological analysis, and the skulls were cleaned. Although the splints had no effect on skull dimensions, changes were seen in the TMJs. The discs of the protrusively-splinted group showed an increased thickness of the posterior band (P < 0.015) and minor changes in collagen orientation of the anterior band. The most striking change was the presence of a degenerative osseous defect on the medial side of the mandibular condyle in half of the splinted animals. These results indicate that prolonged splint wear can induce remodeling and even injury of TMJ tissues.

Stability of skeletal changes after activator treatment of patients with class III malocclusions

The aim of this study was to examine the skeletal changes produced by Class III activator during the treatment of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions and to characterize the stability of these changes in the years after treatment. The samples consisted of 19 girls and 9 boys. Their mean age was 9.6 +/- 1.4 years at the beginning of the treatment. The average treatment time was 1 +/- 0.5 years. Measurements were obtained from cephalometric head films taken before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 6.6 +/- 2.1 years after the end of activator treatment. During the treatment, the Class III activator produced a statistically significant increase in the ANB angle, and this change remained through the postactivator period. The gonial angle exhibited a compensatory decline during the postactivator period. The skeletal profile was improved with treatment and was not lost during the posttreatment period despite significant increase in maxillomandibular differential. This study indicates that Class III activator may be a viable mode for the initial stage of skeletal Class III treatment, in conjunction with the period of postfunctional fixed or removable appliance therapy to improve the occlusion.

Headgear versus function regulator in the early treatment of Class II, division 1 malocclusion: a randomized clinical trial

A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the early treatment of Class II, Division 1 malocclusion in prepubertal children. Facial and occlusal changes after treatment with either a headgear or a Fränkel function regulator are reported. Molar and canine relationships, overjet, intermolar and intercanine distances were measured from casts taken every 2 months, and mounted on a SAM II articulator. Cephalometric radiographs were taken annually. The results indicate that both the headgear and function regulator were effective in correcting the malocclusion. A common mode of action of these appliances is the possibility to generate differential growth between the jaws. The extent and nature of this effect, as well as other skeletal and occlusal responses differ. Treatment in late childhood was as effective as that in midchildhood. This finding suggests that timing of treatment in developing malocclusions may be optimal in the late mixed dentition, thus avoiding a retention phase before a later stage of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. However, a number of conditions may dictate an earlier intervention in the individual patient.

Principles of dentofacial orthopedics

The differences in the response of patients to the same orthodontic treatment are, to a great extent, the result of variability in the direction and rate of craniofacial growth. Furthermore, there is currently little scientific evidence that the temporary improvement of skeletal relationships from orthopedic appliances will alter the craniofacial skeleton on a permanent basis. However, contemporary literature is beginning to show that certain appliances may be more effective than others at a specific point in the growth process. Timing of treatment in a patient is becoming of increased clinical importance. A review of the anatomy of palatal expansion indicates that expansion is much greater in the anterior portion of the palate, in both horizontal and vertical planes. Assessment of skeletal maturity for treatment timing and growth prediction is most commonly performed with the hand/wrist radiograph. A new method is presented which uses epiphyseal and diaphyseal widths and fusion of selected phalanges to determine the relative position of the individual on the pubertal growth curve. Skeletal maturity assessment is a traditional attempt to judge physiological development. The future of craniofacial growth assessment lies in the development of physiological measurements which are both replicable and valid and clinically feasible. The data from these studies provides information to allow better quantitative diagnosis and treatment as well as objective assessment of the treatment outcome.

Periosteal migration in the growing mandible: an animal model

Migration of mandibular periosteum and attached musculature was tracked along the inferior border of the ramus in growing and nongrowing guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) over a 6-week period. Particulate metallic growth-tracing implants were placed through the bony mandible and adjacent musculature at two anteroposterior locations and two bony reference markers were placed anteriorly. Quantification from weekly radiographs of growing animals showed marked posterior migration of the periosteum, whereas in nongrowing animals there was negligible periosteum movement. Significantly greater migration occurred in posterior (6.37 +/- 0.76 mm) implants relative to the anterior implants (3.45 +/- 0.86 mm, p < 0.001). The neutral zone, where little periosteal migration occurs, was calculated to be approximately at the anteroposterior center of the molar tooth row. Analysis of the orientation of the medial pterygoid muscle relative to the mandible showed that muscle fibers on average become more horizontal. Thus, the study found differential anteroposterior migration of the mandibular periosteum in growing animals and correlative changes in orientation of the medial pterygoid muscle.

Changes of arch width in the early treatment of Class II, division 1 malocclusions

Changes in arch width during the early correction of Class II, Division 1 malocclusions with either the Fränkel functional appliance or headgear are compared in an ongoing prospective randomized clinical trial. The data were collected from 43 children, ages 7.5 to 12.85 years, who met strict dental and cephalometric criteria for inclusion in the study. They were assigned at random to treatment with either a headgear (n = 21) or a Fränkel appliance (n = 22). Occlusal measurements included the maxillary and mandibular intermolar distances (buccal and palatal/lingual) and intercanine distances. Measurements (millimeters) were performed on casts taken every 2 months, with digital calipers accurate to 0.01 mm. Four months after the initiation of treatment, the mean maxillary intermolar distance was larger in the Fränkel group (palatal: 1.58, SE: 0.22; buccal: 1.58, SE: 0.20) than the headgear group (palatal: -0.39, SE: 0.21; buccal: 0.26, SE: 0.23), and the difference was statistically significant (palatal: p < 0.0001 and buccal: p = 0.0001). The mean maxillary intercanine distance increased more with the headgear (1.62, SE: 0.19) than the Fränkel appliance (0.62, SE: 0.23) p = 0.003. As treatment progressed, the average intermolar distance in the headgear group increased, but was still higher in the Fränkel group by more than 1 mm. The intercanine distance remained larger in the headgear group. The mandibular intermolar and intercanine distances were higher after Fränkel therapy than with headgear.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Facial aesthetics following edgewise and Fränkel appliance therapy: the application of Chernoff faces

This study investigates an application of the graphical technique of multivariate data description, 'Chernoff faces', to orthodontics. This method of pictorial presentation allows the simultaneous examination of several measurements in a single figure. Each variable is represented by a scaled feature of the human face: the size and position of the ears, eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth, as well as the face itself, are used to display data in a diagrammatic form. Using this method, the individual post-treatment results of 62 severe Class II division 1 cases treated by either Fränkel or Edgewise appliance therapy were compared. Nine cephalometric variables were chosen, describing the profile and the antero-posterior positions of the lower jaw and teeth, and stylized cartoon faces drawn for each child. These were compared with a control face prepared from untreated children of the same sex and age. Overall, children treated with Fränkel appliances showed a more normal relationship of the lips to Ricketts' aesthetic line and a greater prominence of the lower face. This difference between the two groups was most marked in the soft tissues. In a few cases, however, the appearance of the Edgewise treated children was indistinguishable from that of the controls. It is concluded that Chernoff faces, by portraying several pertinent aspects of data simultaneously, may be a useful adjunct to the presentation of orthodontic findings.

Orthodontic forces exerted by activators with varying construction bite heights

The present study was conducted to investigate the nature of forces induced with activators by measuring strains, electromyogram (EMG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) during a 2-hour sleep period. Fifteen adolescent patients with Class II and Class III malocclusions, (30 subjects) were used. Four types of activators were made for each patient with construction bites taken at incisal edge clearances of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm vertically. The magnitude of forces generated by passive tension of soft tissues increased significantly (p < 0.01) from approximately 80 to 160 gf in the Class II group and from approximately 130 to 200 gf in the Class III group with varying construction bite heights from 2 to 8 mm. Higher construction bites also significantly changed (p < 0.01) the direction of forces by passive tension from vertical to posterior and from vertical to anterior in relation to the reference plane in the Class II and Class III groups, respectively. Duration of forces generated by passive tension was most significantly longer than that of active contraction of the jaw closing muscles, irrespective of the construction bite heights. It is concluded that passive tension, derived from viscoelasticity of soft tissues, plays a more important role in inducing changes that phasic stretch reflex during jaw orthopedic therapy with activators.

Mandibular response to orthodontic treatment with the Bionator appliance

A group of 20 subjects who underwent successful Bionator treatment was compared with 20 subjects who were treated less successfully with the same appliance. Both groups had similar advancements in their bite registrations, as well as similar treatment times and growth-prediction parameters. Success was judged not on the final occlusion (all patients were treated to a Class I molar relationship) but on the posttreatment position of skeletal pogonion. The successful group experienced 3.5 mm or more of advancement in skeletal pogonion, whereas the less successful group had less than 3 mm of advancement of this point. The two groups were comparable in all features except, as may be expected, total mandibular growth, which was greater in the group with the larger anterior pogonion advancement. The results of this study suggest that persons who have small mandibles (as determined by comparison with published growth standards) may benefit more from functional appliance therapy than patients with normal-sized mandibles. The subjects with delayed growth may experience more mandibular development than those with average growth during treatment under the favorable growth environment created by functional appliance therapy.

Orthopedic and orthodontic effects resulting from the use of a functional appliance with different amounts of protrusive activation

A functional appliance worn full-time was given to 50 consecutively treated girls aged 8 1/2 to 14 years. These patients were divided into three groups: in 14 patients, protrusive activation was maintained at 1 mm; in another 14 patients, it was maintained at 3 mm; and in 22 patients, there was an initial, large single advancement averaging 5 to 6 mm. These amounts of protrusion were checked and maintained every 2 months. Analysis of the data, using control patients matched for age and sex, indicated that there was no difference in either orthopedic or orthodontic variables between the 3 mm continuous-advancement group and the single large-advancement group. The 1 mm continuous-advancement group showed a diminished but still statistically significant response. Assuming linearity, it was calculated that, had the 1 mm activation group been treated long enough to have obtained the mandibular orthopedic effects of the other two groups, the orthodontic changes also would have been comparable.