[Combined rapid palatal expansion (RPE), edgewise technique and protraction headgear in correction of skeletal Class III malocclusion].

OBJECTIVE

The skeletal Class III malocclusion often occurs in ethnic Asia population, and it is difficult to obtain an ideal results if only treated with protraction headgear (PH). However, the combined rapid palatal expansion (RPE), Edgewise Technique and PH can reach it, so the authors investigated the methods and characteristics of combined RPE, Edgewise Technique and PH in the treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion.

METHODS

Fifteen patients, aged 8.5-12 years, including six males and 9 females, with skeletal Class III malocclusion and maxillary retrusion were selected for this study. Radiographs of left hand and wrist showed that all patients were at the pre-pubertal stage. The duration of treatment was nine months on average.

RESULTS

The SNA and A-ptm increased with a mean of cephalometric analysis, which showed significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Obvious skeletal and profile changes can be achieved with combined RPE, Edgewise Technique and PH in the treatment of early skeletal Class III malocclusion.