Comparison of Skeletal Changes in the Temporomandibular Joint between the Twin Block Appliance and Fixed Functional...

This current study evaluated and compared the skeletal changes in the head of the condyle, glenoid fossa, and articular space between the twin block appliance and PowerScope™ a fixed functional appliance.

This study was a pilot, randomized, single-blinded, assessing the skeletal changes in the components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study was conducted in 20 subjects in the age range of 11-14 years with class II division 1 malocclusion. These subjects were distributed randomly between two groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1 (group I-twin block and group I-PowerScope™). Follow-ups of both groups were done till desirable skeletal correction was attained (clinical edge-to-edge incisor relation).

Condylar parameters such as position, height, and length were evaluated bilaterally in the CBCT scans. After using both devices, there was an increase in all condylar qualities; however, the twin block appliance showed a more noticeable difference, which has been determined to be statistically significant. In the twin block group, there was an average decrease of 0.56 mm in the anterior articular space and an increase of 1.2 and 2.64 mm in the middle and posterior articular spaces, respectively. In the PowerScope™ group, there was an average decrease of 0.23 mm in the anterior articular space and an increase of 2.55 and 1.85 mm in the middle and posterior articular spaces, respectively. In the case of the twin block device, the change in glenoid fossa angle was observed to be 6.1 mm on both sides and a mean difference of 1.25 mm on the right-side and 1.75 mm on the left-side was observed in the case of PowerScope™. The difference was established to be significant with a p < 0.05 in all cases.

Condylar attributes increased after the application of both devices but the difference was more pronounced in the case of twin block appliances. The difference in articular space (middle and posterior) between the twin block group and PowerScope™ group, was not significant statistically. In the present study, the remodeling in the glenoid fossa was greater in the twin block group compared to the PowerScope™ group.

Halapanavar B, MN P, Deshmukh S, et al. Comparison of Skeletal Changes in the Temporomandibular Joint between the Twin Block Appliance and Fixed Functional Appliance: A Longitudinal Follow-up Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):7-14.