Conservative treatment of craniomandibular asymmetries during growth. A long term study.

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies on growing patients with structural cranio-mandibular asymmetries have shown that it is possible to correct the structural asymmetry, by means of an orthopaedic (positioning splint) -orthodontic approach. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the degree to which the results of such approach are stable over a long time.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Sixteen growing patients with non hereditary craniomandibular asymmetry treated according to the methodology previously described were examined. The degree of mandibular symmetry was assessed with Computer Aided Design system before treatment, at the end of treatment and after a mean period of 12 years from onset of treatment. The data of the three periods considered were statistically compared (ANOVA and Tuckey post hoc).

RESULTS

Both the mean data of symmetry degree at the end of treatment and at long term were significant higher than the mean data the baseline. The mean data at long term were higher than those at the end of treatment, but not significantly so.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion the data at hand confirm that: 1. craniomandibular asymmetries in the growth period may be conveniently treated with a conservative orthopedic-orthodontic treatment, and demonstrate that; 2. the results of this treatment remain stable over a long time.