Long-Term Results of Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Facemask: Long-Term of Regular Protraction

Objective:Evaluation of the long-term skeletal, dental, and soft tissue treatment results of 17 patients who completed their protraction with the facemask.Materials and Method:Twenty-three Class III patients with a mean age of 12, characterized with maxillary retrognathism, who were treated by facemask protraction therapy, were recalled after 6.08 years following protraction. Only 17 patients presented and their records were renewed. Study was carried out on the initial (T0), after protraction (T1), and 6.08 years following protraction (T2) films. Long-term skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were measured.Results:After 6.08 years, the profile and dental relationships achieved by protraction were found to be well maintained clinically. The cephalometric examination revealed stable sagittal advancement with a mandibular forward positioning. After protraction (T1) and at 6.08 years of recall (T2), there were no statistically significant changes found in parameters showing sagittal position of the maxilla (SNA, maxillary depth, and NperA). On the other hand, in the long term, statistically significant increase was noted in the SNB angle, indicating late mandibular growth. In the long term, although the forward positioning of the mandible took place, there was no dental relapse seen, probably because of the significant upper incisor proclination (SN-UI [T1]: 100.05°; [T2]: 111.26°), which indicates the dental camouflage.Conclusion:Advancement achieved by the facemask was found to be stable in the long term. The most important point at which the clinician must pay attention is the late mandibular growth

Short- and Long-Term Evaluation of a Condylar Hyperplasia: A Case Report

Objective:This case report presents the diagnosis and short- and long-term treatment results of an orthodontically and surgically treated patient with condylar hyperplasia.Materials and Methods:Condylar hyperplasia was diagnosed in an 18-year-old patient. In the clinical and radiologic examination, asymmetrical face, overdevelopment of the head and lengthening of the neck of the right condyle, deviation of the menton to the opposite side, temporomandibular joint pain, occlusal canting, slight open bite in the affected side, and an impacted upper right premolar were detected. Technetium-99 radioisotope scanning was made in 6-month intervals, and surgery was planned and performed. Changes were measured on the cephalograms taken at the beginning of orthodontic treatment, before and after surgery, at the end of fixed treatment, and in 4 years 6 months follow-up period.Results:Skeletal and dental Class I relationship was established and the profile improved. Slight increase of the vertical dimension was observed in the finishing and follow-up cephalograms.Conclusion:In order to decide the appropriate time for surgery for condylar hyperplasia patients in which osteoblastic activity continues, isotope-scanning examination is a must. Short-term results achieved with the orthodontic and surgical treatment were satisfactory and were maintained in the long term