Class II malocclusion correction by two different intermaxillary elastics protocols: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: The effect of two different Class II elastics protocols on the inclination of the maxillary incisors. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients were divided into two equal groups conventional group and early one. Cephalometric radiographs were taken before the treatment. For conventional group, elastics were inserted once the patients reached heavy rectangular stainless steel arch wires but in early group, all patients were instructed to wear light short Class II elastics from day one just after placement of full fixed pre-adjusted edge-wise appliance. All patients were instructed to wear Class II elastics 24 hours except while eating. After alignment, leveling, and Class I achievement; post-treatment cephalometric radiographs were taken. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant maxillary incisors retroclination in relation to SN plane (P <0.05). However, early group showed statistically significant maxillary incisors retroclination in relation to the palatal plane also (P <0.05). Conclusion: Retroclination of the maxillary incisors as a compensatory effect of Class II elastics occurred in both groups (protocol independent).