Three-dimensional condylar changes from Herbst appliance and multibracket treatment: A comparison with matched Class...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Adolescent Class II Division 1 malocclusions present complex skeletal and dental challenges.
• Understanding condylar changes is crucial for effective orthodontic treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and qualify 3D condylar changes in adolescent Class II Division 1 malocclusions.
• To compare condylar growth patterns between 2-phase (Herbst appliance) and single-phase (elastics) treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for 3D imaging.
• Employed 3D voxel-based superimposition techniques for mandibular registration.
• Analyzed condylar changes using semitransparent overlays and point-to-point measurements.

Main Results:

• Lateral condylar growth was greater during the orthodontic phase than the orthopedic phase (P < 0.05).
• Posterior condylar growth was greater during the orthopedic phase than the orthodontic phase (P < 0.05).
• Vertical condylar development showed similar magnitudes in both orthopedic and orthodontic phases (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Two-phase treatment with a Herbst appliance accelerates condylar growth compared to single-phase elastic treatment.
• Posterior condylar growth primarily occurs during the orthopedic phase.
• Vertical condylar gains are consistent throughout both phases of two-phase treatment.