Maxillary features following protraction headgear therapy in skeletal Class III patients

The objective of the research was to scrutinize maxillary alteration of skeletal Class III patients following protraction headgear therapy. The sample comprised of 15 patients (6 males, 9 females) aged 8-13 years. According to Sassouni Analysis, the maxilla was retrognathism whereas the mandible was prognathism. All of them were treated with fixed appliance and protraction headgear. Orthopedic force system included maxillary protraction with 400 gram force, mandibular retraction with 1000 gram for 12-14 hours per day. Alteration of the maxilla was scrutinized from consecutive lateral cephalograms prior to orthodontic treatment, immediate posttreatment and 2 years of follow up. The result indicated that orthopedic force enhanced the anterior portion of the maxilla to move downward and forward significantly, without rotation and relapse.