Combined rapid maxillary expansion and protraction facemask in the treatment of Class III malocclusions in growing children: a prospective long-term study.

A prospective study of 28 growing children (mean age of 8 years 3 months) with Class III malocclusions was consecutively treated using rapid maxillary expansion and maxillary protraction. All patients were treated from a negative overjet to a positive overjet and from a Class III dental malocclusion to a Class I dental relationship. For each patient, a lateral cephalogram was taken before treatment (T1), immediately posttreatment (T2), and after an observation period (T3) averaging 2 years 5 months. Using analysis of variance, the cephalograms were analyzed to determine skeletal and dental changes resulting from treatment. Long-term changes (2 years 5 month observation period) were also evaluated. Results showed that immediately posttreatment, the maxilla moved anteriorly a mean of 1.54 mm and Sella-Nasion-A point increased 0.87 degree. The maxillary teeth moved anteriorly 2.73 mm and proclined 5.23 degrees, while the mandible rotated in a downward and backward direction. Long-term, the anterior position of the maxilla was maintained, but some of the Class III correction was lost because of mandibular growth. Comparison of this study's results to Riolo's longitudinal Class I data showed that, overall, rapid palatal expansion and maxillary protraction produced a small orthopedic effect with a moderate dentoalveolar effect which together contributed to the correction of the Class III malocclusion.