Date: July 2020.
Source: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics | Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie 81, 407–418 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-020-00240-8.
Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects of the alternating rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions (Alt-RAMEC) protocol combined with a facemask in prepubertal patients.
Materials and Methods: The study group (mean age 9.74 ± 1.46 years) consisted of 20 patients with class III malocclusion characterized by maxillary retrognathism. They were treated with a facemask for 7 months following a 9‑week Alt-RAMEC protocol. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) records and three-dimensional (3D) photographs taken before (T0) and after the protraction and retention period (T1) were evaluated. The study group was compared with a well-matched control group of 16 untreated patients (mean age 9.44 ± 0.79 years) with the same malocclusion. The records for the control group included cephalometric radiographs and 3D photographs.
Results: In the study group, significant forward movements of A point (3.49 mm), nasal (2.91 mm) and zygomatic bones were achieved. Intermolar, internasal, and interzygomatic widths increased. Soft tissue points followed the hard tissue movements, apart from b and pog. In the control group, A (0.97 mm), B (1.69 mm), Pog, and b points presented forward movement. Significant differences were found regarding the forward movement of the maxilla between the groups.
Conclusions: The Alt-RAMEC/facemask protocol was effective not only in the maxillary region but also in the midface.
Article: Three-dimensional evaluation of treatment results of the Alt-RAMEC and facemask protocol in growing patients.
Authors: V Sitaropoulou, HN Yilmaz, B Yilmaz, N Kucukkeles. Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.