AIMTo determine cephalometrically the mechanism of the treatment effects of non-extraction and multiloop edgewise archwire (MEAW) technique on postpeak Class II Division 1 patients.

METHODOLOGYIn this retrospective study, 16 postpeak Class II Division 1 patients successfully corrected using a non-extraction and MEAW technique were cephalometrically evaluated and compared with 16 matched control subjects treated using an extraction technique. Using CorelDRAW software, standardized digital cephalograms pre- and post-active treatments were traced and a reference grid was set up. The superimpositions were based on the cranial base, the mandibular and the maxilla regions,and skeletal and dental changes were measured. Changes following treatment were evaluated using the paired-sample t-test. Student's t-test for unpaired samples was used to assess the differences in changes between the MEAW and the extraction control groups.

RESULTSThe correction of the molar relationships comprised 54% skeletal change (mainly the advancement of the mandible) and 46% dental change. Correction of the anterior teeth relationships comprised 30% skeletal change and 70% dental change.

CONCLUSIONThe MEAW technique can produce the desired vertical and sagittal movement of the tooth segment and then effectively stimulate mandibular advancement by utilizing the residual growth potential of the condyle.

Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Cephalometry ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Incisor ; pathology ; Male ; Malocclusion, Angle Class II ; pathology ; therapy ; Mandible ; growth & development ; pathology ; Mandibular Condyle ; growth & development ; pathology ; Maxilla ; pathology ; Molar ; pathology ; Orthodontic Appliance Design ; Orthodontic Retainers ; Orthodontic Wires ; Retrognathia ; pathology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Serial Extraction ; Skull Base ; pathology ; Software ; Tooth Movement Techniques ; instrumentation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult