Vertical changes in treated and untreated Class II division 1 malocclusions

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial growth
• Cephalometric analysis

Background:

• Treatment-induced facial height increases may be permanent.
• Understanding long-term effects of orthodontic treatment on craniofacial dimensions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if appliance-induced increases in molar heights and facial height are maintained in girls with Class II division 1 malocclusion.
• To compare long-term changes in treated versus untreated individuals.

Main Methods:

• Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 11-year-old girls with treated (Begg appliance and Class II elastics) and untreated Class II division 1 malocclusions were analyzed.
• Measurements included 10 angles and 10 distances, with initial and recall records averaged 12 years apart for the treatment group and 8 years for the control group.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant increases in upper and lower molar heights and anterior face height (AFH) over time.
• At recall, AFH was significantly greater in the treatment group, attributed to initial differences, longer follow-up, and less variation.
• No significant differences in overjet or upper incisor inclination were found at recall; SNA and SNB angles were smaller in the treatment group.

Conclusions:

• Molar and facial heights increased in both treated and untreated groups.
• Orthodontic treatment with the Begg appliance and Class II elastics may not have lasting effects on facial or molar height in this patient group.