A national survey of orthodontists in Malaysia and their use of functional appliances for Class II malocclusions

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of functional appliances by the currently practising orthodontists in Malaysia. The objectives were to identify the different types of functional appliances used by Malaysian orthodontists and to investigate the variation in treatment protocols when attempting growth modification. Methods An online questionnaire consisting of 24 open-ended and multiple-choice questions was emailed to members of the Malaysian Association of Orthodontists (MAO) (n = 183). The survey was based on a previous study conducted by members of the British Orthodontic Society and was modified to suit the Malaysian population. The data were analysed using SPSS to generate frequency tables and descriptive statistics. Results Seventy-two responses were received from current Malaysian orthodontists. Of the respondents, 71% practised in a government setting and 29% were in private practice. The Clark Twin Block was the most frequently used functional appliance by 90% of Malaysian orthodontists. Many of the respondents (57%) prescribed full-time wear of removable functional appliances for 6–9 months (except during mealtimes) (51%). Following active removable functional appliance therapy, 91% prescribed a period of retention which involved a reduction in the duration of wear. The retention phase extended for 2 to 3 months (41%) or for 4 to 6 months (39%) for the majority of the respondents. Conclusions The Clark Twin Block is the most frequently-used functional appliance for the management of a Class II malocclusion by orthodontists currently practising in Malaysia.