title: Correction of Class II malocclusion with Class II elastics: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although Class II elastics have been widely used in the correction of Class II malocclusions, there is still a belief that their side effects override the intended objectives. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the true effects of Class II elastics in Class II malocclusion treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases, complemented by a hand search. Study eligibility criteria were the application of Class II elastics in Class II malocclusion treatment and the presentation of dental or skeletal outcomes of treatment. All age groups were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search identified 417 articles, of which 11 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four studied the isolated effects of Class II elastics, and 7 were comparisons between a single use of elastics and another method for Class II malocclusion correction. Because of the differences in treatment modalities in these articles, a meta-analysis was not possible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the current literature, we can state that Class II elastics are effective in correcting Class II malocclusions, and their effects are primarily dentoalveolar. Therefore, they are similar to the effects of fixed functional appliances in the long term, placing these 2 methods close to each other when evaluating treatment effectiveness. Little attention has been given to the effects of Class II elastics on the soft tissues in Class II malocclusion treatment.
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. jansong@travelnet.com.br
authors: Guilherme
authors: G
authors: Janson
authors: Renata
authors: R
authors: Sathler
authors: Thais Maria Freire
authors: TM
authors: Fernandes
authors: Nuria Cabral Castello
authors: NC
authors: Branco
authors: Marcos Roberto de
authors: MR
authors: Freitas
mesh_terms: D020724:Elastomers; D006801:Humans; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000628:therapy*; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects; D017289:Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D020724:Elastomers