Orthopedic coordination of dentofacial development in skeletal Class II malocclusion in conjunction with edgewise...

This second of two articles describes the effects of mandibular growth enhancement in a comprehensive orthopedic approach to the correction of skeletal Class II malocclusion. Clinical and experimental evidence gives support to the concept, and case histories show the clinical mode of use of the appliance system. An initial 10- to 12-month orthopedic phase is followed by a second phase of similar duration in which full edgewise therapy is used to establish a gnathologically ideal occlusion. As the essential corrections are achieved in the orthopedic phase, the second phase is much reduced in complexity and is generally confined to alignment and final detailing. This combined approach to skeletal Class II treatment offers the possibility of better harmony of dental and facial features, with continued stability through the period of facial growth.