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Published on: March 1, 2015
The effectiveness of protraction face mask therapy: a meta-analysis
J H Kim1, M A Viana, T M Graber
1Faculty, Department of Orthodontics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Maxillary protraction therapy effectively treats Class III malocclusion in growing children. Combining this treatment with palatal expansion may enhance skeletal results, particularly in younger patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Development
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Class III malocclusion presents a significant challenge in pediatric dentistry, often requiring early intervention.
- Maxillary hypoplasia is a key characteristic of Class III malocclusion, necessitating orthopedic correction.
- The effectiveness of maxillary protraction, particularly with adjunctive therapies, remains a subject of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of maxillary protraction using orthopedic appliances in Class III patients.
- To determine consensus on treatment timing and the role of adjunctive intraoral appliances in maxillary protraction.
- To synthesize evidence from existing literature through a meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted on 14 selected studies (11 English, 3 foreign language) identified from an initial search of 440 articles.
- Data were categorized by patient age and appliance type (palatal expansion vs. non-expansion).
- Cephalometric landmarks were analyzed to compare treatment outcomes between groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between palatal expansion and non-expansion groups, except for a greater increase in upper incisor angulation in the non-expansion group, suggesting more skeletal effect with expansion.
- Treatment outcomes were more pronounced in younger age groups, indicating reduced effectiveness in patients over 10 years old.
- Protraction face mask therapy demonstrated effectiveness in growing individuals, with enhanced skeletal effects when combined with initial palatal expansion.
Conclusions:
- Maxillary protraction is an effective treatment for Class III malocclusion in growing patients.
- Adjunctive palatal expansion may yield superior skeletal outcomes compared to protraction alone.
- Treatment timing is crucial, with optimal results observed in younger, still-growing patients.
