Long-term (≥ 15 years) outcome quality after Class II:1 bionator or Herbst multibracket appliance treatment : A comparison.

Purpose: To compare the long-term outcome quality (≥ 15 years) of Class II:1 treatment using either a bionator (BIO) or a Herbst-multibracket appliance (HMB).

Methods: Patients who underwent functional treatment during the ideal treatment period for the respective approach (prepuberty vs. peak/postpeak) were assessed. Inclusion criteria were overjet ≥ 4 mm, skeletal Class II and availability of study casts from before, after and ≥ 15 years after treatment. The study casts were assessed using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and standard orthodontic cast measurements.

Results: During treatment, PAR score, overjet and sagittal occlusal relationship improved significantly in all groups. Long-term, there was a significant increase of incisor irregularity in the upper (HMB) and lower (BIO) arch and a significant decrease of lower arch width 3 - 3 (BIO). PAR score, overjet, and sagittal occlusal relationship remained stable long-term. Intergroup comparisons revealed significant differences between the BIO and HMB groups in terms of lower arch width (6 - 6), upper and lower arch width (3 + 3/3 - 3) as well as sagittal molar relationship.

Conclusions: The achieved improvement in PAR score, overjet, and sagittal occlusion remained comparably stable long-term in all groups. The long-term changes are probably a consequence of natural aging.