The aim of this study was to make a detailed evaluation of the changes in the dentofacial structures that could be effective in the elimination of skeletal open bite. The study was performed on 32 skeletal open bite cases which were treated with Begg technique, Edgewise technique, and functional appliances and findings were analysed by multivariate statistical methods. Open bite was significantly reduced in all of the treatment groups. Apart from minor differences, similar changes were observed with Begg and Edgewise technique treatments. During fixed appliance therapy marked increases in the upper and lower posterior dentoalveolar height were observed, and the mandible rotated backwards. On the other hand, with the functional appliances vertical growth of the posterior upper and lower dentoalveolar region was depressed, and the mandible was rotated forwards and upwards with the centre at the premolars. These findings were confirmed by regression analysis: rotational changes in the maxillary and mandibular bases explained 46 per cent of variance of the reduction of open bite in the functional group, while 28 and 16 per cent of variance was explained in the Edgewise and Begg groups, respectively.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between craniofacial growth and skeletal maturation. The material consisted of the cephalometric and hand-wrist film pairs of 35 males and 43 females (78 subjects) whose development was followed for a period of 4 to 7 years. The subjects were grouped according to their skeletal maturation. Their mean ages were: Group I 10.27, Group II 11.55, and Group III 14.79 years, respectively, at the beginning of the observation period. Intra- and inter-group differences were examined through paired t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to detect the relationship between craniofacial growth and skeletal maturation (percentage growth potential). The results show that the middle cranial base (T-W) maintained its stability in all pubertal growth periods. However, posterior cranial base length (T-Ba) increases significantly (P < 0.001) throughout the same period. There were similar increases in the vertical dimensions of the face and alveolar height throughout pubertal growth. Despite the intensified increases in both the sagittal and vertical directions, facial characteristics were constant in the sagittal direction. The skeletal development (percentage growth potential) has clearly been effective in the vertical facial development commencing in Group I and reaching its maximum level in Group II. However Cd-Go was the exception.

This study aimed to examine the effects of chin cup therapy on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc position and configuration with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-five individuals ranging in age from 5 to 11 years were evaluated. The treatment group consisted of 15 subjects (10 females and five males) with prognathic facial structures, while the control group comprised 10 subjects (six females and four males) with an orthognathic facial structure. The magnitude of the chin cup force applied to the mandible was 600 g. Unilateral MRIs of the TMJ were taken in all subjects at the beginning and end of the study. No statistically significant changes in the TMJ disc position and configuration during the treatment and control periods could be seen. The values of the alpha angle measurements were found to be different in the treatment and control groups at the beginning (166.23 +/- 2.15 and 172 +/- 1.97, respectively), and end of the treatment and control periods (160.00 +/- 2.16 and 172.00 +/- 2.68). These findings show that if the chin cup appliance is used at an early age and with appropriate forces, there will be no adverse effect on the TMJ disc position and configuration.

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