Face Mask versus Carrière Motion Class III Appliance: Comparison of Skeletal, Soft Tissue, and Dental Effects in Growing Individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of the face mask and Carrière Motion III appliance in growing patients with Class III malocclusion associated with maxillary retrognathia. The null hypothesis was that both appliances, applied after rapid maxillary expansion, would have similar effects.

METHODS

Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were evaluated using lateral cephalometric radiographs of 26 patients aged 6-9 years, taken before (T0) and after treatment (T1). Cephalometric analyses were performed using Nemoceph software (NEMOTEC, Madrid, Spain). Statistical analyses were carried out with MedCalc version 12.7.7 (MedCalc Software bvba, Ostend, Belgium) with significance set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

SNA°, A-NasionPerp, and Co-A increased significantly in both groups, with no significant intergroup difference. Co-Gn, Wits, ANB°, S-N, and the articular angle also increased significantly in both groups. SNB° decreased significantly only in the Carrière Motion III group. Greater anterior maxillary rotation occurred with the face mask, while reduced rotation was observed with the Carrière Motion III. Lower facial height decreased slightly but significantly in the Carrière Motion III group, and increased in the face mask group. Overjet and molar relationship improved significantly in both groups. The UL-E line distance decreased in the face mask group, while the Carrière Motion III showed no significant soft tissue changes.

CONCLUSION

The null hypothesis was rejected. The two appliances had different effects; however, the Carrière Motion III proved effective for early Class III treatment and may be considered an alternative, particularly for patients with social concerns about extraoral traction.