Cephalometric changes in the treatment of class III using the Fränkel appliance.
OBJECTIVE
In this retrospective clinical study, we aimed to evaluate skeletal changes following treatment of Class III malocclusion by means of the Function Regulator (FR-3) appliance.


METHODS
The group of patients we treated with the FR-3 exclusively consisted of 56 subjects (20 boys and 36 girls). Fifteen subjects (7 boys and 8 girls) of approximately the same age and presenting almost identical characteristics of a Class III malocclusion of skeletal etiology served as a control group (between the ages of 7 and 15 years). Lateral cephalograms were compared using the occipital reference structures as proposed by Fränkel.


RESULTS
Cephalometric analysis showed that maxillary landmarks (point A, nasospinale), and the upper incisor (root included) did move significantly farther forward in the treated group than in the control group (p < 0.01). We also found that the gonial angle decreased by 7.17 degrees in the FR-3 group, as opposed to 2.07 degrees in the untreated group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in mandibular-length growth (Ar-Pog, Ar-Go, Go-Pog).


CONCLUSIONS
According to these study results, FR-3 treatment has an obvious effect on maxillary development, and affects the shape and, to a certain degree, the position of the mandible.
Falck
Friedrich
F
Department of Orthodontics, Heinrich Braun Hospital, Zwickau, Germany. appel-kfo@t-online.de
Zimmermann-Menzel
Kristina
K
D000293:Adolescent; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003818:Dentition, Mixed; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000628:therapy*; D017289:Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques