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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06244563

Evaluation of Different Anchorage-supported Appliances and Expansion Procedures for Face Mask Treatment

The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the effect of two appliances (Hybrid-Hyrax expander/ Bonded rapid maxillary expander (RME)) supported by different anchorage units and two different expansion procedures (routine rapid maxillary expansion protocol (routine)/ alternative rapid expansion and constriction protocol (alt-RAMEC)) on maxillary protraction during face mask (FM) treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

Malocclusion, Angle Class III Malocclusion Stomatognathic Diseases Tooth Diseases

Age range

8 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gaziantep University

Gaziantep, Sehitkamil, 27310, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Face mask therapy is an effective method in the treatment of class III malocclusions due to maxillary insufficiency. In face mask treatment, various intraoral devices are used to transmit protraction forces to the maxilla. According to the anchorage unit, these appliances are divided into tooth-supported and bone-supported. The traditional bonded rapid maxillary expander (RME) is a tooth-supported appliance that allows expansion and is generally used with face masks. However, it causes many side effects due to the transmission of protraction forces through the teeth. Hybrid appliances supported by skeletal and dental anchorage may be preferred over bonded RME in the maxilla for face mask treatment based on their lower dental side effects and high skeletal contribution.

Before transferring the protraction forces to the maxilla using a face mask, expansion is first performed with intraoral devices according to the patient's needs. For this purpose, two different expansion procedures are currently used: routine rapid maxillary expansion (routine) and alternative rapid maxillary expansion and contraction (alt-RAMEC). In the routine rapid maxillary expansion procedure, the expander screw is turned twice a day until the expansion phase is complete. Unlike the routine procedure, in the alt-RAMEC procedure, each week of expansion is followed by a week of contraction. The duration of the expansion-contraction process varies between 7-9 weeks, depending on the patient's need for expansion. These opening and closing phases are increased maxillary protraction by loosening the intermaxillary sutures.

The main purpose of this study is to compare the effects of different combinations of appliances and procedures on maxillary protraction during face mask treatment and determine the most powerful method. Sixty patients who were planned to apply face mask treatment were included in the study and divided into four groups (n=15) (Group 1: Hybrid-Hyrax expander and alt-RAMEC procedure, Group 2: Bonded RME and alt-RAMEC procedure, group 3: Hybrid Hyrax expander and routine protocol, group 4: Bonded RME and routine protocol). To investigate skeletal changes, lateral cephalometric films were taken before (T0) and after (T1) treatment. Dolphin Imaging software and AutoCad 2023 software were used for cephalometric measurements.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Skeletal class III
  • Prepubertal growth stage
  • Reverse overjet

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous orthodontic treatment history
  • Patients with craniofacial abnormalities and syndromes.
  • Systemic diseases

Treatment and study plan

Face mask with Hybrid-Hyrax

Device

Participants were treated with face mask using a Hybrid-Hyrax appliance as an anchor in the maxillary arch. The anchorage of hybrid-hyrax appliance was provided by bands adapted to the maxillary first permanent molars and two mini screws in the anterior palate. Force transmission was achieved using intermaxillary elastics that were connected to the face mask arms from the hooks of the hybrid-hyrax appliance in the maxillary canine region.

Face mask with Bonded RME

Device

Participants were treated with face mask using a bonded RME appliance as an anchor in the maxillary arch. The anchorage of bonded RME appliance was provided by maxillary posterior teeth covered with acrylic cap. Force transmission was achieved using intermaxillary elastics that were connected to the face mask arms from the hooks of the bonded RME in the maxillary canine region.

Alternative Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Contraction Protocol (Alt-RAMEC)

Procedure

In the groups that started with the Alt-Ramec protocol, the parents expanded the appliance screw twice a day in the first week and closed it in the opposite direction in the following week. This process was continued for 7-9 weeks according to the patient's need for expansion.

Routine Rapid Maxillary Expansion Protocol

Procedure

In the groups that started with the routine protocol, parents activated the expansion screw twice a day for 1-2 weeks, depending on the patient's need for expansion.

Primary outcomes

  1. Evaluation of Skeletal and Dental Changes in Millimetric Measurements

    Time frame: 9 month

    Skeletal and dental changes in the maxilla and mandible were evaluated in millimetres using lateral radiographs taken before and after treatment.

    To determine skeletal changes A-VRP (mm), Co-A (mm), A-HRP (mm), Pog-VRP (mm), Co-Gn (mm) and WITS (mm) values were measured.

    To determine dental changes U1-VRP(mm), U1-HRP(mm), U6-VRP(mm), U6-HRP(mm), and L1-VRP(mm) values were measured.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Evaluation of Skeletal and Dental Changes in Angular Measurements

    Time frame: 9 month

    Skeletal and dental changes in the maxilla and mandible were evaluated in angularly using lateral radiographs taken before and after treatment.

    To determine skeletal changes, the following angles were measured: SNA (°), SNB (°), ANB (°), SN-PP (°), SN-MP (°), PP-MP (°) and Ar-Go-Me (°).

    To determine dental changes, the following angles were measured: U1-SN (°) and IMPA (°).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Gaziantep

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Different Anchorage-supported Appliances and Different Expansion Procedures for Face Mask Treatment in Prepubertal Children

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Feb 6, 2024
Registry last updated
Feb 6, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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