The effects of Fränkel II treatment on arch width and arch perimeter.

Changes in dental arch width and total arch perimeter in 24 Class II, Division 1 patients treated with the Fränkel II appliance were compared with changes in an untreated control group. Measurements were made on pretreatment and posttreatment plaster casts at three points on each of four maxillary and four mandibular teeth. Increases in width were computed at the occlusal point and compared for the two samples. A significant increase in occlusal arch width for all measures was suggestive of both a minor tipping movement of the maxillary teeth and a bodily movement of the mandibular teeth. Width development in the maxilla was greater than in the mandible. Occlusal arch width increased more in the molar and premolar regions in the maxilla and in the premolar region in the mandible. Wide arches were found to have as much increase as narrow arches. The total arch perimeter decreased significantly less in the treatment sample than in the control sample. The documented gains in arch width and arch perimeter would not be sufficient to relieve severe crowding, but could be useful in avoiding removal of teeth in borderline extraction cases.