Long-term evaluation of the durability of changes obtained with functional orthopaedic treatment

Aim: The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the long-term stability of changes achieved with functional orthopedic treatment. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients (37 females, 14 males) with skeletal Class II malocclusion, ANB angle greater than 4 degrees, chronological age range of 10- 13 years (avarage 12,43 ±1,6), treated with Twin Block appliance were included in this study. Measurements of 77 variables were taken on cephalometric radiographs obtained at treatment initiation (T1), treatment completion (T2), and during a long-term follow-up period of 3-8 (avarage 6,62 ±1,51) years (T3). Changes between T1-T2 and T2-T3 periods were compared. One-way analysis of variance was applied in repeated measures to compare the differences between periods. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that 24 cephalometric variables showed statistically significant differences in values between T1-T2 period, and 7 variables showed significant differences between T2-T3 period (p<0.05). Conclusions: Most of the changes obtained with functional orthopedic treatment were maintained when evaluated in patients approximately 3-8 years (avarege of 6,62 ±1,51 years) later.