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Adjunctive techniques for enhancing mandibular growth in Class II malocclusion
M F N Feres1, A Alhadlaq1, T El-Bialy1
1Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8440 112th. St. NW, 2J2.00 WC Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada.
Medical Hypotheses
|February 5, 2015
Summary
This study explores enhancing mandibular growth for Class II malocclusions using functional appliances combined with low-intensity ultrasound and light-emitting diode therapies. These adjunctive methods may synergistically boost mandibular projection and condylar growth in growing animals.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Dental Research
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Class II malocclusions often involve mandibular retrusion, prompting the use of functional appliances to encourage forward mandibular growth.
- Current evidence on the effectiveness, predictability, and stability of functional appliances in modifying mandibular growth remains insufficient.
- Adjunctive therapies are being investigated to potentially enhance the outcomes of functional appliance treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present evidence and hypotheses supporting the use of adjunctive methods to enhance mandibular growth with functional appliances.
- To explore the potential synergistic effects of low-intensity ultrasound and light-emitting diode therapies in conjunction with functional appliances.
- To propose a study design for validating these hypotheses in clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence, primarily from animal studies, on low-intensity ultrasound and light-emitting diode therapies.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of these adjunctive methods on bone growth.
- Formulation of a hypothesis regarding the synergistic potential of these therapies with functional appliances.
Main Results:
- Low-intensity ultrasound and light-emitting diode therapies show potential for enhancing mandibular and condylar growth.
- These methods may stimulate angiogenesis, cell proliferation, hypertrophy, matrix production, and endochondral bone formation.
- A theoretical synergistic effect is proposed when these adjunctive therapies are used with functional appliances.
Conclusions:
- Adjunctive use of low-intensity ultrasound and light-emitting diode therapies may enhance functional appliance treatment for mandibular underdevelopment.
- These methods offer a promising theoretical basis for stimulating mandibular and condylar growth.
- Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and their clinical applicability.
