Short-term dentoskeletal changes following Class II treatment using a fixed functional appliance: the Austro Repositioner : A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

Purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of a fixed functional appliance, the Austro Repositioner, in dolicho- and brachyfacial skeletal Class II patients.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In all, 20 dolicho- and 25 brachyfacial consecutive patients treated with the Austro Repositioner were compared with untreated controls (20 dolicho- and 20 brachyfacial patients) with the same initial dentoskeletal features. Lateral cephalograms were acquired before and 1.0±0.2 year after therapy.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in skeletal Class II relationships were observed in both groups. The ANB angle decreased (3.56° in dolicho- and 3.13° in brachyfacial patients, P < 0.001) due to changes localized exclusively in the mandible, the SNB angle increased to 3.20° in dolicho- and 3.02° in brachyfacial patients, and the total mandibular length (Co-Pg) increased to 6.47 mm in dolicho- and 5.78 mm in brachyfacial patients (P < 0.001). A favorable guidance of vertical pattern was also achieved in both groups, and no significant changes were observed in the upper and lower incisors in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The Austro Repositioner was effective for short-term treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion resulting from the retrusion of the mandible in both dolicho- and brachyfacial patients.