Comparative Effect of Conventional and 3D-printed Twin Block Appliances on Soft Tissue Changes

Comparative Effect of Conventional and 3D-printed Twin Block Appliances on Soft Tissue Changes

: To evaluate the effectiveness of functional device treatment using both 3D-printed and conventional Twin Block appliances on soft tissue changes during growth modification in Class II malocclusion.

Background: Enhancing facial aesthetics is the main target of orthodontic treatment, as appearance greatly influences a person's social confidence and self-esteem. Skeletal Class II malocclusion is quite common, and the pubertal growth spurt is the perfect time for functional treatment to promote mandibular advancement. The Twin-Block, one of the most widely used functional appliances, is a popular choice for achieving this goal..

Patients and methods: Twenty patients divided into two groups with mixed or early permanent dentition were enrolled. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken at the start (T0; before treatment) and end (T1; at the end of the active phase) using the same machine. Those of each patient treated with a conventional Twin Block appliance for class II malocclusion were compared to those of patients treated with a 3D-printed Twin Block appliance for a 6-month follow-up period. Both groups were evaluated for soft tissue changes using various angular and linear geometric measurements, and differences between pre- and post-treatment were analyzed with a paired t-test.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Young, growing age
2. Class II malocclusion
3. Increased overjet.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe proclination of anterior teeth.
2. Severe crowding of anterior teeth.
3. Systemic disease affecting bone and growth.