A long-term follow-up study of Class II malocclusion correction after treatment with Class II elastics or fixed functional appliances

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare dentofacial morphology and long-term follow-up changes in growing males with skeletal Class II malocclusions treated without extractions and with either Begg or Herbst appliances. Methods: Lateral cephalograms were obtained at the start of treatment, after active treatment, and after long-term follow-up. Results: Treatment effects differed between the groups, with usually more favorable effects in the Herbst group. However, during the follow-up period, many of the changes were reversed. During the total observation period, maxillary prognathism and lower anterior facial height increased more in the Begg group than in the Herbst group. Conclusions: Although there were initial marked differences in the treatment outcomes, most of these differences were not sustained over the longer term.