Three-dimensional effects of twin block therapy on pharyngeal airway parameters in Class II malocclusion patients

BackgroundThe authors sought to evaluate the three-dimensional effects of a twin block (TB) appliance on the pharyngeal airway parameters in a sample of Class II patients with mandibular retrusion in comparison with a control group, by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).MethodsA sample of 36 female Class II malocclusion patients with mandibular retrusion participated in this study; 18 patients were treated with the TB appliance for 8 months, and the other 18 had no treatment and formed the control group. The airway volumetric parameters were assessed by using CBCT; three-dimensional measurements were performed before treatment and 8 months later in both groups. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed.ResultsAirway parameters increased significantly in the treatment group and after the control period in the control group. However, the mean changes in the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group.ConclusionThe use of the TB appliance in the treatment of Class II mandibular retrusion patients resulted in a significant increase in all pharyngeal airway parameters.