Effect Of Early Interceptive Treatment Of ClassⅢ Maloclusion In Primary Dentition On The Longitudinal Development Of The Children’s Craniofacial Morphology

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of early interceptive treatment of Class III malocclusion in primary dentition on the growth and development of the craniofacial morphology in children.Materials and Methods:Thirty subjects(11males and19females;average age4.3years±0.7years) with Class III malocclusion were treated with removable maxillary appliance with occlusal pad. Lateral cephalograms obtained at pre-treatment (TO),post-treatment (T1)and at least6months after treatment (T2) were compared in relation to craniofacial morphology. By SPSS16.0, paired Student’s t-tests were performed to determine any statistical differences among TO, T1and T2and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results:Statistically significant differences were observed in the midfacial length (CoA) and the mandibular length (CoGn) in T0-T1,T1-T2, and T0-T2(p<0.05).The average annual increments were approximately1.8mm in midfacial length, and2.6mm in mandibular length between TO and T2.The sagittal maxillomandibular skeletal variables (ANB angle, Wits appraisal and convexity) showed significant improvement in TO-Tland T0-T2(p<0.001).Conclusions:Early interceptive treatment can lead to successful outcomes in class III malocclusion in primary dentition. The development of the maxilla was stimulated and moved forward while the development of the mandible was inhibited. The abnormal intermaxillary relationship was improved and maintained stability during the follow-up time.