Difference in Using Protrusion Face Mask before or after Rapid Palatal Expansion in Skeletal Class III Children: A...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Development
• Dentofacial Orthopedics

Background:

• Third-class malocclusions present significant challenges in orthodontic treatment.
• Skeletal disharmony and dental malposition are common in these cases.
• Combined therapy with rapid palatal expander (RPE) and Delaire face mask (FM) is a therapeutic option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare treatment outcomes of RPE followed by FM versus FM followed by RPE in third-class malocclusions.
• To determine if the sequence of orthodontic appliance use impacts treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of 13 patients each were studied.
• Group A received FM followed by RPE; Group B received RPE followed by FM.
• Cephalometric parameters and dento-skeletal characteristics were evaluated pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Both treatment sequences showed significant improvements in key cephalometric indices (Witts, Nanda, ANB, AoBo, AppBpp) and facial convexity.
• Group A demonstrated significant improvements in Witts and Nanda indices and facial convexity.
• Group B showed significant improvements in ANB, AoBo, AppBpp values, and facial convexity; no statistically significant difference was found between groups.

Conclusions:

• Early orthodontic intervention for skeletal third-class malocclusions using RPE and FM is effective.
• The sequence of RPE and FM application does not significantly alter treatment outcomes.
• Treatment sequence should be individualized based on patient's specific skeletal and occlusal presentation.