Effects of headgear timing on dental arch changes from 7 to 18 years of age: a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND

Dental arch effects after cervical headgear (CHG) treatment have been researched from several different perspectives. However, the long-term effects of CHG timing are still unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the long-term effects of CHG timing on dental arches.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A total of 67 children with Angle Class II malocclusion comprised the study group in this trial. The participants were randomized into two equal-sized groups. In the early group (EG, n = 33), treatment was started after the eruption of the first upper molars. In the later-timed group (LG, n = 34), treatment was started 18 months later compared with the early group. Long-term effects were measured from dental casts taken at five time points between 7 and 18 years of age.

RESULTS

The total maxillary dental arch length was achieved earlier, the gained length persisted better in the long term, and significantly more space was achieved in EG compared with LG (P = .048). The intermolar width in the maxillary dental arch was more stable and was reached earlier in EG compared with LG (P = .002). The results showed that in terms of total mandibular arch length increases, EG males benefited the most and LG females the least from CHG treatment (P = .031).

CONCLUSIONS

Both genders benefited from earlier CHG treatment. The maxillary dental arches remained longer, and the final width was gained earlier in EG compared with LG.