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Published on: November 6, 2015
Neuromuscular adaptations with flexible fixed functional appliance--a 2-year follow-up study
Sankalp Sood1, Om P Kharbanda, Ritu Duggal
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, H.P. Government Dental College & Hospital, 171001, Shimla, H.P., India. drsankalpsood@gmail.com
Summary
Flexible fixed functional appliances led to neuromuscular adaptation in young females with Class II Division 1 malocclusion. Muscle activity returned to normal within six months and remained stable for 24 months.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Neuromuscular Adaptation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Class II Division 1 malocclusion affects facial structure and function.
- Functional appliances are used to correct malocclusion in growing patients.
- Understanding neuromuscular responses to treatment is crucial for long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term neuromuscular changes in young females with Class II Division 1 malocclusion treated with a flexible fixed functional appliance.
- To evaluate the stability of neuromuscular adaptation over a 24-month period.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) was used to monitor bilateral activity in the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles.
- Measurements were taken longitudinally during posture, swallowing, and maximum voluntary clenching.
- The study included 15 young, growing females with Class II Division 1 malocclusion.
Main Results:
- EMG activity significantly decreased during saliva swallowing and maximum clenching post-treatment.
- These changes persisted for up to one month, returning to baseline levels by six months.
- Neuromuscular activity remained stable from six months through the 24-month observation period.
Conclusions:
- The anterior temporalis and masseter muscles demonstrated clear adaptation to flexible fixed functional appliance therapy.
- The observed neuromuscular adaptation was stable for the entire 24-month follow-up period.
