Digital analysis of stomatognathic system morphofunctional condition in patients with distal occlusion before and after treatment with the Twin Block appliance

Relevance. For many years studies have evaluated the possibilities of modifying the growth of the maxillofacial complex during orthodontic treatment with functional appliances. Despite the large number of studies devoted to orthodontic treatment of distal occlusion in children and adolescents, there is no consensus among orthodontists on the appropriateness, timing and tactics of such treatment.Material and methods. The article presents the results of the treatment of distal occlusion in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years using the Twin Block appliance. The study included clinical, anthropometric, radiographic and functional research methods.Results. The course of treatment eliminated distal occlusion in all groups; in Group 1, the length of the mandibular body was 64.4 ± 2.8 mm before the treatment and 69.6 ± 2.4 mm after the treatment (p = 0.016); in Group 2, the length of the mandibular body was 69.7 ± 6.6 mm before the treatment and 72.5 ± 6.9 mm after the treatment (p = 0.019); in Group 3, the length of the mandibular body was 69.8 ± 5.6 mm before the treatment and 74.0 ± 4.3 mm after the treatment (p = 0.005). The temporomandibular joints did not show pathological changes; most patients (70%) did not demonstrate anterior position of the condyles after the treatment.Conclusion. Orthodontic treatment of patients aged 7-18 years with distal occlusion using the Twin Block appliance is an effective treatment method. The orthodontic treatment with functional appliances is most reasonable during the period of peak growth when significant skeletal changes are possible to obtain.