Comparison of treatment results with the edgewise and the Begg approach.

In order to compare the changes observed in the skeletal and the dentoalveolar elements after treatment with the edgewise and the Begg technique, fifty cases were selected and divided into two groups. Each group consisted of twenty-five patients matched in age and sex, who were treated nonextraction for the correction of Class II Division 1 malocclusion. The lateral cephalometric radiograph taken before and after treatment period were used. Twenty-four measurements were performed on each radiograph and were analyzed statistically. The first part of the evaluation aimed at comparing each group to itself before and after treatment. Concerning the skeletal elements the results were the same in the two groups: a) the anteroposterior size of the upper jaw was decreased, b) the length of the lower jaw was increased and c) there was an increase in the lower facial height. Importantly, more dentoskeletal changes were found in the Begg group. The second part of the evaluation which aimed at comparing the differences of the means (initial-final) between the two groups revealed that: 1) the chin was in a more forward position in the edgewise group, 2) there was a larger increase in the length of the lower jaw in the same group, 3) the lower facial height was increased especially in the Begg group and 4) in the edgewise group a labial inclination of the lower incisors was found, while in the Begg group a lingual inclination of the upper and a labial inclination of the lower front teeth was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)