Effects of Elastodontic Appliance on the Pharyngeal Airway Space in Class II Malocclusion

Abstract

Background: The present study analyzed the changes obtained on the upper airway and hyoid bone dimensions in a group of patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with functional elastodontic devices compared to an untreated control group. Methods: A group of 33 patients (19 females and 14 males) with Class II malocclusion treated with AMCOP® SC elastodontic device was compared with a control group of 35 subjects (17 females and 18 males) with untreated Class II malocclusion. Lateral cephalograms were available at the start (T0) and end of treatment/period of observation (T1). Cephalometric analysis was performed and linear measurements to evaluate airway space and hyoid bone position were also obtained. A multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures (MANOVA) was performed to determine the effects of interactions for the groups for time. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the study group from T0 and T1 with an improvement of superior upper airway (SPAS p < 0.0001), while in the control group it did not change in a statistically significant way from T0 to T1. The MANOVA test showed statistically significant differences between the two groups for the changes of SPAS (p = 0.003), IAS (p = 0.049), and H-C3 vertical (p = 0.038) values. Conclusions: Functional elastodontic therapy produced significant favorable airway changes in skeletal class II subjects.

Elastodontic Appliances for the Interception of Malocclusion in Children: A Systematic Narrative Hybrid Review

“…After a comprehensive examination of the entire texts of these papers, 13 studies were judged to be appropriate for the review. Three studies were case reports [28][29][30], three were case-control studies [31][32][33], one was a case series [34], five were retrospective studies [21,[35][36][37][38], and one was a prospective study [22].…”

“…From this perspective, it is important to emphasize that elastodontic devices do not necessitate tooth anchorage, as opposed to fixed appliances with cemented orthodontic bands, which, in certain instances, can potentially lead to infiltrations and cavities on the involved dental elements. Side effects, such as excessive salivation and pain, are mild, and some studies show they gradually disappear with use [32].…”

Effects of Removable Functional Appliances on the Dentoalveolar Unit in Growing Patients

“…Its construction emphasizes locating most of the structure in the vestibule to separate the lips and cheeks from the teeth, promoting arch expansion and jaw growth. Featuring large buccal shields and lip pads, the Fraenkel appliance reduces pressure on the dentition from the cheeks and lips, facilitating maxillary arch expansion and correction of Class II malocclusions [33]. Additionally, it includes a small lower lingual pad behind the lower incisors to advance the mandible forward, and a facial pad in front of the lower incisors to hold the lower lip forward.…”

3D Printer-Assisted Layered Fabrication of a Novel Appliance for Oral Myofunctional Therapy and Functional Evaluation of Its Effects on Orofacial Muscles During Wear

“…Tongue thrust, or low tongue, is a typical myofunctional disorder (MFD) that causes occlusal abnormalities, and the tongue thrust habit has long been corrected by the use of an orthodontic appliance, the tongue crib, along with MFT [5,6]. In addition, some prefabricated functional appliances (PFAs), such as the Yanagisawa Class III shield, Trainer for Kids, AMCOP® SC, and Occlus-o-Guide® have been developed to improve MFD [7][8][9][10]. However, compared to custom-made appliances, PFAs have disadvantages such as poor intraoral fit, which may limit the time of use and cause labial tilting of the mandibular anterior teeth [11].…”