[Modified Klammt apparatus for treatment of stomatognathic abnormalities in preschool children]

Klammt apparatus was modified adapting it for treatment of occlusal abnormalities in milk teeth. The resting and functional positions of the tongue were used for this aim through appropriate directing of its action in the apparatus for widening of anterior parts of dental arches. The usefulness of the modified apparatus in the treatment of stomatognathic system abnormalities was assessed in 90 preschool children with malocclusions of crossbite type, open bite, anterocclusion and posterocclusion. The control group comprised 90 preschool children with similar abnormalities treated with monoblock. The results were significantly better after treatment with the modified Klammt apparatus, the dental arches were rapidly widened, therapeutic effects were better, rehabilitation of the muscles was more complete. Using the modified Klammt apparatus the children could easily speak, and thus the apparatus could be used longer than monoblocks which had a positive effect on the final therapeutic results in these cases.