Biomechanical effects of maxillary protraction on the craniofacial complex.

The deformational effects on the human skull resulting from maxillary protraction were examined by means of strain gauges and displacement transducers. A maxillary protraction appliance was used that included a reverse headgear attached to the maxillary first molars. The protraction forces that were applied to this appliance were parallel to the occlusal plane at the following locations: the height of the maxillary arch, 5 mm above the palatal plane, and 10 mm above the Frankfort horizontal plane. The results indicated that protraction forces at the level of the maxillary arch produced an anterior rotation and forward movement of the maxilla, protraction forces 10 mm above the Frankfort horizontal plane produced a posterior rotation of the maxilla with a forward movement of nasion, and protraction forces 5 mm above the palatal plane produced a combination of parallel forward movement and a very slight anterior rotation of the maxilla. Moreover, constriction of the anterior part of the palate occurred in all cases.