Long-Term evaluation of RME and face mask therapy: a controlled study at the completion of growth

Aim: To evaluate the stability of the outcomes of RME and face mask therapy (RME/FM) in Class III patients at a long-term observation, compared with the effects of growth in well-matched untreated Class III control subjects. Materials and Methods: The treated group (TG) consisted of 22 patients with dentoskeletal Class III malocclusions treated with a two-phase protocol consisting of RME/FM therapy followed by fixed appliance therapy, whereas the control group (CG) comprised 18 untreated subjects with similar dentoskeletal Class III features. Lateral cephalograms of both TG and CG were analyzed at three time points: before treatment (T1); after two-phase treatment (T2); and long term (T3). All patients started treatment (T1) before the pubertal growth spurt (CS1 or 2, mean age 18.5 ± 2.5 years), and they had completed active skeletal maturation at T3 (CS6, mean age 18.5 ± 2.5 years). Results: Over the long term, the treatment group showed significantly smaller values for SNB angle, maxillomandibular differential, and molar relation. When compared with the control subjects, the treated patients also exhibited greater values for ANB angle, Wits appraisal, and overjet at T3. No significant difference between the two groups was found for the changes occurring from T2 to T3. Conclusions: Favorable long-term dentoskeletal outcomes were induced by RME/FM and fixed appliances in Class III patients. These outcomes remained stable at the completion of active growth in 72.5 % of treated subjects. Untreated Class III malocclusion did not show any tendency toward self-improvement during the postpubertal interval.