[Hard tissue changes in class III patients treated with maxillary protraction and rapid palatal expansion].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hard tissue changes of class III patients treated with maxillary protraction and rapid palatal expansion.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients were included. All patients were treated with united method. The changes of hard tissue were compared.

RESULTS

Hard tissue grew forward and downward in natural state. After the treatment, the significant increase of S-A, Pt-A, PNS-A was found in maxilla, and the increment of PNS-A, Pt-A was larger than that of S-A. Pg and Me dislocated backward. Wits increased by 4.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

By applying maxillary protraction and rapid palatal expansion on Class III patients in the early permanent dentition, anterior displacement and increase in post-anterior dimension of maxilla were found. Mandible always rotated and slightly backward.