Three-dimensional analysis of maxillary protraction with intermaxillary elastics to miniplates.
BACKGROUND
Early Class III treatment with reverse-pull headgear generally results in maxillary skeletal protraction but is frequently also accompanied by unfavorable dentoalveolar effects. An alternative treatment with intermaxillary elastics from a temporary anchorage device might permit equivalent favorable skeletal changes without the unwanted dentoalveolar effects.


METHODS
Six consecutive patients (3 boys, 3 girls; ages, 10-13 years 3 months) with Class III occlusion and maxillary deficiency were treated by using intermaxillary elastics to titanium miniplates. Cone-beam computed tomography scans taken before and after treatment were used to create 3-dimensional volumetric models that were superimposed on nongrowing structures in the anterior cranial base to determine anatomic changes during treatment.


RESULTS
The effect of the intermaxillary elastic forces was throughout the nasomaxillary structures. All 6 patients showed improvements in the skeletal relationship, primarily through maxillary advancement with little effect on the dentoalveolar units or change in mandibular position.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of intermaxillary forces applied to temporary anchorage devices appears to be a promising treatment method.
heymanng@gmail.com
Gavin C
GC
Heymann
Lucia
L
Cevidanes
Marie
M
Cornelis
Hugo J
HJ
De Clerck
J F Camilla
JF
Tulloch
D000293:Adolescent; D001860:Bone Plates; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003765:Models, Dental; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D017289:Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014143:Traction / Q000379:methods*