Vertical and horizontal components of functional appliance therapy

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Growth

Background:

• Disocclusion's influence on mandibular growth is debated.
• Pilot study to assess treatment effects in children with mixed dentition.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate clinical effects of disocclusion using biteplanes and functional regulators.
• Assess variations for future larger studies.
• Examine correlations between patient factors and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective pilot study of 16 children with mixed dentition.
• Two groups: maxillary Hawley biteplane (vertical displacement) and Fränkel regulator (vertical & horizontal displacement).
• 9-month treatment duration.

Main Results:

• Biteplane group showed increased mandibular plane angle, minimal horizontal growth, and tendency toward open bite (discontinued).
• Fränkel group demonstrated anterior and inferior mandibular growth.
• Both groups showed anterior mandibular incisor movement; maxillary incisor movement varied.
• No significant correlation between self-esteem, compliance, and cognitive level.

Conclusions:

• Constant protracting force on the mandible is likely necessary for increasing mandibular length.
• Biteplanes may be limited to increasing vertical dentoalveolar and facial heights in specific cases.
• Fränkel regulators appear more effective for promoting overall mandibular growth.