PURPOSE: This study evaluates the skeletal response to functional orthodontic therapy in growing children with hemifacial microsomia (HM). A method of classification for mandibular growth subsequent to treatment is also suggested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen growing children with unilateral HM were treated. Each patient was graded according to the skeletal, auricular, tissue (SAT) classification. Patients graded S4-S5 were excluded because the severity of the malformation made them unsuitable for functional orthodontic treatment. All patients initially underwent a period of treatment with an asymmetrical functional activator (AFA). RESULTS: In 7 of 16 cases (43.7%) classified as S1-S2/T1, regardless of the value of A, functional therapy brought about mandibular growth greater on the side of the malformation (G3-G4), re-establishing structural and functional harmony of the entire stomatognathic apparatus. Of the five cases (31.2%) classified as S2/T2, four required surgical intervention at about 10 years of age after an initial period of functional therapy that produced mandibular growth classified G1-G2. In the other case, functional treatment was sufficient to correct the malformation. In four patients (25%) classified as S3/T3 or S3/T2, it was necessary to combine surgical treatment with functional therapy. CONCLUSION: Use of the AFA in growing children with HM makes it possible to induce harmonious maxillomandibular growth. Statistically, in S1-S2/T2 cases, functional therapy brings about an overall resolution of the malformation whereas in more severe cases (S2/T2), it needs to be combined with orthodontics using fixed appliances and surgical intervention.
PURPOSE: This study evaluates the skeletal response to functional orthodontic therapy in growing children with hemifacial microsomia (HM). A method of classification for mandibular growth subsequent to treatment is also suggested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen growing children with unilateral HM were treated. Each patient was graded according to the skeletal, auricular, tissue (SAT) classification. Patients graded S4-S5 were excluded because the severity of the malformation made them unsuitable for functional orthodontic treatment. All patients initially underwent a period of treatment with an asymmetrical functional activator (AFA). RESULTS: In 7 of 16 cases (43.7%) classified as S1-S2/T1, regardless of the value of A, functional therapy brought about mandibular growth greater on the side of the malformation (G3-G4), re-establishing structural and functional harmony of the entire stomatognathic apparatus. Of the five cases (31.2%) classified as S2/T2, four required surgical intervention at about 10 years of age after an initial period of functional therapy that produced mandibular growth classified G1-G2. In the other case, functional treatment was sufficient to correct the malformation. In four patients (25%) classified as S3/T3 or S3/T2, it was necessary to combine surgical treatment with functional therapy. CONCLUSION: Use of the AFA in growing children with HM makes it possible to induce harmonious maxillomandibular growth. Statistically, in S1-S2/T2 cases, functional therapy brings about an overall resolution of the malformation whereas in more severe cases (S2/T2), it needs to be combined with orthodontics using fixed appliances and surgical intervention.