Corticotomy-Assisted Class III Elastic Applications

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Corticotomy-Assisted Different Miniplate and Intermaxillary Elastic Applications After Growth Spurt in Individuals with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion

This prospective randomized clinical study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of corticotomy-assisted maxillary protraction with three different miniplate and intermaxillary elastic applications after corticotomy in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.

In acrylic splint group (AS) and palatal miniscrew group (MS), an acrylic splint containing hooks in the upper molar region was prepared and cemented. In the MS group, two miniscrews were used in the palatal region for additional anchorage. An incomplete Le Fort 1 osteotomy was performed in all patients to free the maxilla. Miniplates were placed vertically between the mandibular canine and first premolar in all groups, and horizontally under the osteotomy line in the maxillary molar region in miniplate group (MP). Class III elastics were applied 5 days after the surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Skeletal Class III malocclusion
• ANB angle between 0 and -4°
• normal or horizontal growth pattern
• anterior crossbite or edge-to-edge incisor relationship
• permanent dentition

Exclusion Criteria:

• requirement for maxillary expansion
• pseudo-Class III malocclusion
• inadequate oral hygiene
• missing tooth in the upper dentition