Long-term effects of lateral nasal wall anchored facemasks compared with tooth-borne facemasks

This study investigated the long-term effect and stability of skeletally anchored facemasks (SAFMs) with lateral nasal wall anchorage compared with conventional tooth-borne facemasks (TBFMs) in growing patients with a Class III relationship.

A total of 180 subjects treated with SAFMs (n = 66) and TBFMs (n = 114) were screened. Thirty-four subjects were qualified and grouped into the SAFM group (n = 17) and TBFM group (n = 17). Lateral cephalograms were taken at the initial observation, after the protraction, and at the final observation.

Greater advancement of the maxilla was attained with SAFM than with TBFM after protraction (initial observation - after the protraction) (P <0.05). In particular, advancement of the midfacial area (SN-Or) was prominent and maintained after the postpubertal stage (P <0.05). The intermaxillary relationship was also improved (ANB, AB-MP) (P <0.05), and greater counterclockwise rotation of the palatal plane (FH-PP) was observed in the SAFM group compared with the TBFM group (P <0.05).

Compared with TBFM, the orthopedic effects of SAFM were greater in the midfacial area. The palatal plane had a greater counterclockwise rotation in the SAFM group than in the TBFM group. Maxilla (SN-Or), intermaxillary relationship (APDI), and palatal plane angle (FH-PP) demonstrated a significant difference between the 2 groups after the postpubertal stage.