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Soft tissue evaluation after maxillary protraction with RPE or with the ALT-RAMEC protocol : A controlled 3D study
Elvan Onem Ozbilen1, Mustafa Onur Ari2, Hanife Nuray Yilmaz3
1Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University, 9/34854, Maltepe/Istanbul, Turkey. elvanonem89@gmail.com.
Maxillary protraction with rapid palatal expansion and facemask (RPE/FM) or alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction with facemask (Alt-RAMEC/FM) improved facial profiles. Both treatments resulted in forward midface and upper lip movement and backward lower lip and chin movement compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Craniofacial Development
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Skeletal Class III malocclusion presents a significant challenge in pediatric dentistry.
- Maxillary protraction is a common orthodontic strategy to correct Class III malocclusion.
- Evaluating soft tissue changes is crucial for assessing treatment outcomes in orthodontics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare soft tissue alterations following maxillary protraction using two distinct expansion protocols: rapid palatal expansion with facemask (RPE/FM) and alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction with facemask (Alt-RAMEC/FM).
- To utilize three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry for precise measurement of facial changes.
- To assess the efficacy of different expansion methods in modifying the facial profile of skeletal Class III patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 32 skeletal Class III patients divided into RPE/FM and Alt-RAMEC/FM groups.
- A control group of 16 untreated patients was included for comparison.
- Pre- and post-treatment 3D stereophotogrammetry and lateral cephalometric images were analyzed using 3-matic software.
Main Results:
- Both RPE/FM and Alt-RAMEC/FM groups showed significant improvements in cephalometric parameters (SNA, ANB) compared to the control group.
- Stereophotogrammetry revealed significant forward movement of the midface and upper lip in both treatment groups versus the control.
- Backward movement of the lower lip and chin was observed in treatment groups, contrasting with the control group; no significant soft tissue differences were noted between the two treatment protocols.
Conclusions:
- Both RPE/FM and Alt-RAMEC/FM protocols effectively enhance the soft tissue profile in skeletal Class III patients.
- Treatment outcomes include anterior repositioning of the midface and upper lip, alongside posterior positioning of the lower lip and chin.
- The study confirms the efficacy of maxillary protraction with different expansion techniques in achieving favorable facial profile modifications.
