Effectiveness of TAD-anchored maxillary protraction in late mixed dentition

To evaluate the effectiveness of temporary anchorage device (TAD)-anchored maxillary protraction (MP) in terms of the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes and to compare it with traditional tooth-anchored MP.

A computerized literature search for relative randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, CNKI, and Google Scholar, complemented with manual search. Data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by two reviewers independently. Meta-analysis was followed when possible; otherwise, description was done.

Forty articles were found, among which four trials were qualified for meta-analysis. The results showed that there was significant difference between TAD-anchored MP and untreated control in terms of maxillary advancement (weighted mean differences (WMD) 3.08 mm; 95% CI: 1.61 to approximately 4.56; P < .0001), but there were no consistent points in terms of mandibular rotation. Also, there were significant differences between both treatment patterns regarding maxillary advancement (WMD 1.41 mm; 95% CI: 0.47 to approximately 2.35; P  =  .003), mandibular rotation (WMD -1.39°, 95% CI: -2.47 to approximately -0.31; P  =  .01), proclination of maxillary incisors (WMD -2.29°; 95% CI: -4.41 to approximately -0.17; P  =  .03), and extrusion of maxillary molars (WMD -1.68 mm; 95% CI: -2.51 to approximately -0.85; P < .0001).

According to the present results, TAD-anchored MP might have a greater maxillary advancement effect and might reduce skeletal and dental side effects, compared with tooth-anchored MP.