Facial profile and dental changes before, during and after treatment with Hansaplate/Headgear

In this prospective study the changes of facial profile and dentition in 19 boys and 19 girls treated for 1 year with Hansaplate/Headgear were analyzed yearly over a 4-year period. On average the boys were 10.2 and the girls 9.2 years old at the first recording, i.e., 1 year pretreatment. The actual values are compared with standard growth data presented by Bathia and Leighton (1993). Irrespective of the initial face morphology, the Hansaplate/Headgear appliance straightened the facial hard and soft tissue profiles favorably. The upper lip became more retruded while the lower lip was unaffected by therapy. During the 2-year post-treatment period these changes continued, probably as a consequence of growth. The overjet was reduced by 5 mm during treatment and was found to be quite stable 2 years after treatment.