Effect of functional bite raisers using three-dimensional printing technology on facial profile enhancement of skeletal class Ii cases

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of beveled functional bite raisers combined with fixed orthodontic appliance in the correction of skeletal class II malocclusion due to retrognathic mandible, regarding its soft tissue effects using 3D printing technology. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients, eight females and eight males, having horizontal or normal growth pattern and cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMS) III and IV were recruited. Bite raisers were digitally designed on the 3-shape software after intraoral scanning of the advanced bite of the patients. The models were 3D printed and Erkodur sheet was pressed over the models. Composite resin was used to fill the Erkodur template and was cured inside the patient’s mouth. Pre-treatment and post-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs were analyzed and compared. Results: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality was used to test normality of all quantitative variables. Variables were found to be normally distributed. Paired sample t test was used for comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant (S); while a P-value < 0.01 was considered highly significant (HS). The soft tissue facial angle showed an increase that was statistically significant. Conclusion: The digitally driven bevelled bite raisers could improve the facial profile.