Impact of Different Orthodontic Appliances on Mandibular Condyle, Anterior Region of Mandibular, and Maxillary Sinus Using Panoramic Radiography.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study of 44 patients requiring removable functional dental appliances aimed to compare the use of a maxillary expansion device, twinblock/monoblock, face mask, and chincup on maxillary sinus dimensions, mandibular anterior region bone density (MABD), and mandibular condyle head bone formation (MCBF) using panoramic radiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS The patients were divided into 4 groups based on the treatment modalities used: group A, maxillary expansion device (n=11); group B, twinblock/monoblock (n=11); group C, face mask (n=11); and group D, chincup (n=11). MABD and MCBF were assessed using the fractal analysis method, while maxillary sinus dimensions were compared using the ImageJ program. Different groups of patients were tested by the Mann-Whitney U test, with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS Group A showed an increase in MABD, MCBF, and average maxillary sinus indentation base length (MSIL) and a decrease in average planar base length (MSPL) and maxillary sinus area (MSA) (P<0.05). Group B showed an increase in MABD, MSIL, MSPL, MSA, and MCBF (P<0.05). Group C showed an increase in MABD, MSIL, MSPL, and MCBF, with a decrease in MSA (P>0.05). Group D showed an increase in MCBF, MABD, MSIL, and MSA, with a decrease in MSPL at the end of treatment, compared with pretreatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Orthodontic treatment with different removable functional dental appliances has varying effects on the mandible and maxilla. Possible changes in the maxilla and mandible should be considered before treatments with removable functional dental appliances.