Face mask therapy effects in two skeletal maturation groups of female subjects with skeletal Class III malocclusions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of face mask therapy in adolescent and young adult female subjects with skeletal Class III malocclusion characterized by maxillary retrognathism.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The material consisted of pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of 28 subjects with Class III malocclusions treated with a face mask. Twenty-eight patients age 10 to 16 years were divided into two groups: the adolescent group (15 female patients) and the young adult group (13 female patients). Within group and between group comparisons were made by paired t-test and Student's t-test, respectively.

RESULTS

Forward displacement of the maxilla and clockwise rotation of the mandible occurred in both the adolescent and young adult groups. Maxillary-mandibular relationship exhibited an increase in the ANB angle and Wits appraisal, and the soft-tissue changes resulted in a more convex profile. The maxillary incisors moved forward while the mandibular incisors moved backward.

CONCLUSIONS

Face mask therapy improves skeletal Class III malocclusions by a combination of skeletal and dental changes. Although early treatment may be most effective, face mask treatment can provide a viable option for older children as well.