Contemporary Class II orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment: a review

Abstract

The literature regarding the dental and facial soft tissue effects of various forms of contemporary Class II orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment is reviewed. Treatment outlined includes the use of headgear and functional appliances to attempt to modify the facial growth process and the extractions of premolar teeth as part of overall fixed appliance treatment. The conclusions of numerous articles highlight the fact that many approaches to treatment can be successful in correcting Class II malocclusions. Findings reported in recent literature also now show that the extractions of premolar teeth, for instance, as part of Class II treatment, do not necessarily lead to direct soft tissue effects. If lip profile changes do occur, it seems that they are far more likely to be positive aesthetically, than negative.

Current trends in headgear use for the treatment of Class II malocclusions

“…The need for patient compliance is a well-recognized factor for orthodontists to choose fixed functional appliances over removable appliances and headgear. 8,16 In addition, significant technological developments and new designs, along with ever-increasing marketing from manufacturers [16][17][18] Both headgear users and nonusers indicated that knowledge based on the current research and literature was the most influential aspect in their decision-making process (54% and 53% for orthodontists who use and do not use headgear, respectively). Of the orthodontists who indicated routine headgear use in their practice, 24% also indicated that the emphasis given to the headgear treatment modality during residency and therefore their familiarity with this appliance was the second important factor.…”

Overjet correction and space closure mechanisms for Class II treatment by extracting the maxillary first molars

“…Class II Division 1 is one of the most common forms of malocclusion for which various types of treatment have been described in the literature [1,7]. According to the patient's age and severity of the malocclusion, functional jaw orthopedic treatment, camouflage therapy with premolar extraction and combined orthodontic and surgical therapy are available [7].…”

“…According to the patient's age and severity of the malocclusion, functional jaw orthopedic treatment, camouflage therapy with premolar extraction and combined orthodontic and surgical therapy are available [7].…”

“…Die Klasse II/1 ist eine der häufigsten Formen der Gebissanomalie, für die in der Literatur verschiedene Behandlungsmög-lichkeiten beschrieben werden [1,7]. Je nach Alter der Patienten und dem Schweregrad der Malokklusion stehen eine funktionskieferorthopädische Behandlung, eine Camouflagetherapie mit Prämolarenextraktion oder eine kombiniert kieferorthopädisch-kieferchirurgische Therapie zur Verfügung [7].…”

“…Je nach Alter der Patienten und dem Schweregrad der Malokklusion stehen eine funktionskieferorthopädische Behandlung, eine Camouflagetherapie mit Prämolarenextraktion oder eine kombiniert kieferorthopädisch-kieferchirurgische Therapie zur Verfügung [7]. Eine alternative Möglichkeit der Camouflagebehandlung, bei der die bleibenden ersten Oberkiefermolaren extrahiert werden und Niedrigfriktionsmechaniken angewendet werden, wurde unlängst beschrieben [2].…”