Effectiveness of maxillary protraction using a hybrid hyrax-facemask combination: A controlled clinical study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment effects of a hybrid hyrax-facemask (FM) combination in growing Class III patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 16 prepubertal patients (mean age, 9.5 ± 1.6 years) was investigated by means of pre- and posttreatment cephalograms. The treatment comprised rapid palatal expansion with a hybrid hyrax, a bone- and toothborne device. Simultaneously, maxillary protraction using an FM was performed. Mean treatment duration was 5.8 ± 1.6 months. The treatment group was compared with a matched control group of 16 untreated Class III subjects. Statistical comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Significant improvement in skeletal sagittal values could be observed in the treatment group over controls: SNA: 2.4°, SNB: -1.7°, Co-Gn: -2.3 mm, Wits appraisal: 4.5 mm. Regarding vertical changes, maintenance of vertical growth was obtained as shown by a small nonsignificant increase of FMA and a small significant decrease of the Co-Go-Me angle. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid hyrax-FM combination was found to be effective for orthopedic treatment in growing Class III patients in the short term. Favorable skeletal changes were observed both in the maxilla and in the mandible. No dentoalveolar compensations were found.