Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Class II malocclusion is commonly observed in clinics, with the main manifestation of skeletal malocclusion, and mandibular retrusion is the main reason. Class II malocclusion should be treated early to correct skeletal malformation and improve facial appearance.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanics change in early treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusion with Twin-Block appliance and straight wire appliance combined with face-bow and Class II drawing.
METHODS: Thirty patients with malocclusion who were at peak velocity on the growth curve were randomly divided into two groups, with 15 cases in each group. Patients in each group were treated with Twin-Block appliance and straight wire appliance combined face-bow and Class II drawing, respectively. The cephalometric records of all patients were examined before and after the treatments. The acquired data were processed by statistical analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After treatment, all molars and cuspid teeth achieved or reached Class I, and ANB angle decreased to normal range. The bone effect of Twin-Block appliance was more significant than straight wire appliance. Using Twin-Block appliance, the length of mandible body and lower face height increased significantly. Experimental findings indicate that, Twin-Block appliance has significant therapeutic effects in treatment of early skeletal Class II division 1 malocclusion patients, who are at peak velocity on the growth curve. With the biomechanical effects, this treatment corrects asymmetrical jaw relation, reconstructs the tissue, and obtains satisfactory lateral facial profile of soft tissues. The therapeutic effect is more obvious for patients with obvious mandibular retrusion, flared upper incisors and upright lower incisors.

Key words: Malocclusion, Angle Class II, Orthodontics, Biomechanics