Retrospective evaluation of therapeutic outcomes of functional appliances combined with headgear

Abstract

Functional appliances were developed to correct mainly Class II malocclusions in growing children but the influence of those appliances on craniofacial growth is still controversial, even when used in combinations with headgear. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate skeletal, dental and tegumental cephalometric modifications induced by Teuscher activator. This study was accomplished in a mixed dentition sample of Class II malocclusions subjects with mandibular retrognatism. This appliance was effective in treating growing patients with mandibular deficiency: the correction of Class II malocclusions was an arrangement of skeletal and dentoalveolar changes and leaded to the improvement of soft tissue facial profile.