Overjet reduction in relation to wear time with the van Beek activator combined with a microsensor.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to use a microsensor to investigate the association among overjet reduction, treatment duration, and wear time of the van Beek activator.


METHODS
The study sample comprised patients (n = 28) with a mean age of 11.60 (±1.25) years at start of treatment treated with the van Beek activator. The prescribed wear time was 12 hours per day. The evaluation period was limited to the first 3 appointments. The wear times during the 3 intervals were assessed. Treatment periods with good compliance were characterized by a wear time of 8 hours or more per day.


RESULTS
The medians of overjet were 9.00 mm at the start of treatment and 5.75 mm at the third appointment. The mean total wear time throughout the evaluation period was 7.75 (±3.66) hours per day. Significant correlations were found at the 3 intervals. Patients with a mean wear time of 8 hours or more per day achieved significantly greater overjet reductions. Patients with good compliance of at least 5 months showed significantly greater overjet reductions.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant overjet reduction was achieved with a minimum daily wear time of 8 hours for at least 5 months. The level of compliance had a strong tendency to be maintained throughout the treatment period. No patient achieved the prescribed wear time of 12 hour per day.
Department of Orthodontics, Academic Centre for Dentistry of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: a.alkurwi@acta.nl.
Ali S A
AS
Al-Kurwi
Department of Orthodontics, Academic Centre for Dentistry of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Annemieke
A
Bos
Department of Orthodontics, Academic Centre for Dentistry of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Reinder B
RB
Kuitert
D000202:Activator Appliances; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008904:Miniaturization; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D057887:Overbite / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000076251:Wearable Electronic Devices