Evaluation of skeletal and dental effects of face mask and carriere class III motion® appliance applied with rapid maxillary expander in individuals with class III malocclusion

Our study's aim is to compare the effects of the face mask and the Carrière Motion® III appliance in growing patients with Class III malocclusion related to maxillary retrognathia. The null hypothesis is that the effects of the two devices applied following rapid maxillary expansion would be the same. The skeletal, dental and soft tissue changes were determined on lateral cephalometric x-rays of 28 individuals, aged between 6-9 years, taken before treatment (T0) and following face mask or Carrière Motion® application (T1). Cephalometric analyzes were performed with Nemoceph® (Copyright© NEMOTEC, Madrid-Spain) software. Statistical analyzes were performed with MedCalc Statistical Software version 12.7.7 (MedCalc Software bvba, Ostend, Belgium; http://www.medcalc.org; 2013) (p<0.05). SNA, A-Nasionperp and Co-A increased significantly in both groups, and there was no significant difference between groups. The increase in Co-Gn, Wits, ANB°, S-N and articular angle was statistically significant for both groups. SNB° decreased significantly from T0-T1 only in the Carrière Motion® group. More anterior rotation of the maxilla was detected in the face mask group, while less rotation was found with the Carrière Motion®. Lower face height showed a slight significant decrease in the Carrière Motion® group, while a significant increase was noted in the face mask group. The overjet and the molar relationship improved significantly in both groups after treatment. The UL-E line distance decreased in the face mask group, and we observed that the Carrière Motion appliance was not effective on the soft tissue parameters. The null hypothesis was rejected, but the Carrière Motion® III appliance was found to be effective in the early treatment of the Class III malocclusion. This appliance might be considered as a treatment alternative, in cases where increase of the lower face height is not desired and when it is important to preserve the inclination of the lower incisors.