Early treatment of Class III malocclusion with RME and facial mask: evaluation of dentoalveolar effects on digital dental casts

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ABSTRACT

Aim

To analyse the dental effects on digital dental casts in subjects with Class III malocclusion treated with bonded Rapid
Maxillary Expansion and Facial Mask (RME/FM).

Methods

A study group sample (SG) of 29 subjects (13 females
and 16 males) and mean age of 7.4 years (SD 1.2 years) was selected. A bonded RME was placed and activated 1/4 of a turn per day
until overcorrection of the transverse width. At the end of expansion, patients were given FMs and treated at least to a positive overjet.
The SG was compared with a control group (CG) of 21 prepubertal subjects (9 females; 12 males) presenting with normal occlusion and
mean age of 7.9 years (SD 1.6 years). For each subject of the SG and CG initial (pretreatment, T1) and final (post-treatment, T2) digital
dental casts were available. Significant in between-group differences were tested with the Student's t-test.

Results

The transverse
dimension of the upper arch was significantly greater in SG vs. CG (IMAW: +2.6 mm; ICAW: +3.1 mm). Anterior arch length and arch
depth were significantly smaller in SG when compared with CG (AAL: -3.2 mm, AD: -3.4 mm) at the end of therapy.

Conclusion

The
orthopaedic treatment with bonded RME/FM produced in subjects treated in the deciduous or early mixed dentition a significant
expansion of the maxillary arch and mesialisation of the posterior teeth with a reduction of the arch depth.

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