ABSTRACT
To examine retrospectively the short-term effects of a compliance-free skeletal Class III corrector (NET3-corrector) compared to rapid maxillary expansion-facemask (RME-FM).
Records of 20 skeletal Class III patients treated with the NET3-corrector were compared to 20 patients treated with RME-FM, mean age: 11.14 ± 1.17 years and 11.14 ± 2.06, respectively. The NET3-corrector consisted of a hybrid-expander, a lower lingual arch, and a modified PowerScope spring. The RME-FM group received an RME-facemask combination. T2 records were collected when an overjet of at least 2 mm was achieved. Differences between two timepoints within groups and differences between groups were tested using paired samples t-test and independent samples t-test, respectively (P < .05 was considered statistically significant).
The treatment time was 10.5 months with NET3-corrector and 12 months with RME-FM. The NET3-corrector was well tolerated by patients and the Class III malocclusion was corrected in all patients in both groups. The overall maxillary skeletal change was greater with the NET3-corrector, with an additional 2° advancement at SNA (P < .001). Significant differences in maxillary incisor angulation were observed in the RME-FM group in comparison to NET3 (−0.37 ± 3.31 vs 4.96 ± 3.80; P < .001). The mandibular molars tipped significantly more distally in the NET3 group (7.3° more; P < .001).
The compliance-free tooth-bone-borne NET3-corrector, is effective in correcting Class III malocclusion with improved maxillary skeletal outcomes compared to RME-FM in the short term. These results need to be evaluated in the long term with a randomized sample.
Author notes
Honorary Lecturer, Discipline of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry, Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney Dental Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Australia.
Professor and Chair, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, Turkey.
Lecturer, Discipline of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Sydney, Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Dental Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Australia.
Professor and Chair, Discipline of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Sydney, Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Dental Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Australia.
Senior Lecturer, Discipline of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Sydney, Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Dental Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Australia.