Terapia ortopedica della malocclusione di III Classe

Objectives: To analyze characteristics, indications and use of Face Mask; to describe the FM/BB protocol based on the combined use of a Delaire face mask and a lower bite block. Materials and methods: With the introduction of facemask therapy it has become possible to move the maxilla forward by extra-oral traction. Some authors reported that the association of expansion and orthopedic advancement of the upper jaw may give many benefits in the treatment of Class III patients due both to crossbite correction, frequently associated with a Class III malocclusion, and to loosening of perimaxillary sutures. Results: Recent studies demonstrated that facemask therapy with or without palatal expansion produced equivalent changes in the dentofacial complex with a significant improvement of skeletal relationships through modifications of soft tissues, hard tissues and teeth. Conclusions: The results of many clinical studies have shown that applying orthopaedic force on cranio-facial complex during early growth may contribute to the treatment of Class III malocclusions.