Class II malocclusion with maxillary protrusion from the deciduous through the mixed dentition: a longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry

Background:

• Class II malocclusion with maxillary protrusion is a prevalent skeletal imbalance.
• Understanding its early development is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze skeletal characteristics of Class II malocclusion with maxillary protrusion in deciduous dentition.
• To describe growth patterns from deciduous to mixed dentition without orthodontic treatment.

Main Methods:

• Compared 17 subjects with Class II malocclusion to 30 controls with ideal occlusion.
• Utilized lateral cephalograms at two time points (deciduous and mixed dentition).
• Performed cephalometric analysis using stable basicranial reference structures.

Main Results:

• Class II skeletal pattern with maxillary protrusion is evident in deciduous dentition and stable into mixed dentition.
• Class II subjects showed a forwardly displaced maxilla; no significant mandibular differences were observed compared to controls.
• Growth increments between Class I and Class II subjects were similar during the transition period.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary protrusion in Class II malocclusion is an early-onset condition.
• Skeletal patterns remain largely unchanged from deciduous to mixed dentition without intervention.
• Sucking habits may be associated with the development of skeletal maxillary protrusion.