Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the use of Class III Twin Blocks for the early treatment of Class III malocclusion.
Design
Retrospective analysis.
Subjects and Method
14 subjects were consecutively treated with a modified version of the Class III Twin Block appliance. Lateral cephalometric radiographs taken at the start and end of treatment were assessed digitally.
Results
The mean age of subjects was 10 years and mean treatment time was 6.6 months. The cephalometric analysis of changes during treatment shows proclination of the upper incisors [mean 5.1°, SD 5.1], retroclination of the lower incisors [mean −4.5°, SD 3.9], reduction in angle SNB [mean −1.3°, SD 1.8] and an increase in the maxillary/ mandibular planes angle (mean 2.1°, SD 2.2]. Average cephalometric digitizations and photographs of a clinical case are shown.
Conclusions
Class III Twin Blocks can be used successfully for early treatment of Class III malocclusion. A randomly allocated prospective study is required to fully evaluate the efficacy of this appliance.
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