Effects of cervical anchorage during and after treatment: an implant study

Two groups of ten patients with postnormal molar relation, identical as regards facial morphology and dental stage, were treated for 8 months with cervical traction of the Kloehn type. The extraoral arch of the headgear was tilted upward in relation to the occlusal plane in one group and downward in the other. The local tooth movements were measured and related to metal implants inserted in the jaws. The movement of the implants in relation to the anterior cranial base expressed the amount and direction of the sutural and condylar growth. It was shown that a normal molar relationship was established in the shortest time with a downward tilt of the extraoral bow. A pronounced distal tipping of the molars was observed in these patients. The growth direction of the maxilla during cervical treatment was downward and backward and the mandible rotated posteriorly. The children were observed again 7 to 8 years after treatment, and it appeared that the influence of the headgear on the growth pattern of the facial skeleton was reversible, as a pronounced anterior direction of growth of the maxilla as well as of the mandible was observed in all but two subjects.