Time-dependent effects of a 'functional'-type orthopedic appliance on the rat mandible growth.

The modus operandi and the time-dependent variations in the effects of the LSU-activator, an orthopedic appliance currently used in human orthodontic therapy, was experimentally analyzed in growing rats. This appliance causes a forward positioning of the lower jaw and a restriction of mandibular motility. After a 4-week treatment, the following changes were observed: (i) the growth rate of the condylar cartilage was accelerated, this growth-promoting effect being more pronounced when the LSU-activator was worn during the animal's rest span. (ii) the direction of condylar growth became more backward-oriented; no significant difference between day and night treatment, i.e. during the rest and activity spans could be detected; (iii) the supplementary lengthening of the mandible was greater in rats treated during rest than in rats treated during waking and (iv) the number of serial sarcomeres in the lateral pterygoid muscle was smaller. This growth retardation of the muscle was greater in rest-time than in waking-time treated individuals. The LSU-type activator's action implies a two-step effect: during the time of wearing the appliance, the more forward positioning of the mandible causes a reduced growth of the lateral pterygoid muscle; during the time the LSU-type activator is not worn, the mandible is functioning in a more forward position such a way that it stimulates the growth rate of the condylar cartilage and the subperiosteal ossification of the posterior border of the ramus. It is therefore essential, for a few hours every day, that the mandible be allowed to move freely from the appliance in a more forward position.