Class II functional appliance treatment and dynamic three-dimensional mimic muscle evaluation

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Biology
• Facial Expression Analysis

Background:

• Functional appliances are used to treat Class II malocclusion, producing skeletal and dentoalveolar changes.
• Limited research exists on the impact of functional appliances on facial expressions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in facial expressions using 3D analysis in growing children with Class II malocclusion and large overjet treated with functional appliances.
• To assess the effect of treatment on smile and lip pucker movements, mouth width, and symmetry.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 15 growing children with Class II division 1 malocclusion undergoing functional appliance treatment.
• Dynamic 3D facial recordings were taken before and after 12 months of treatment.
• A control group of 15 children was observed for comparison.

Main Results:

• Class II malocclusion improved in all treated children after 12 months.
• No significant differences in smile or lip pucker movements were found between groups.
• Mouth width asymmetry decreased in the treatment group during rest and smiling, while it increased in the control group.

Conclusions:

• Removable functional appliances may positively influence mouth width symmetry in children with Class II division 1 malocclusion.
• Treatment appears to enhance smile symmetry, contributing to improved facial aesthetics.