Uyanlar A,Nalbantgil D*,Arun T
This pilot study was done to evaluate the dentofacial changes induced by the sabbagh universal spring (sus2) used in mandibular retrognathic patients. The study was carried out on 54 lateral cephalometric radiograms taken before placement and after removal of sus2 in the treatment group and at the beginning and six months after in the control group. The patient selection criteria were as follows: skeletal and dental class ii malocclusion due to retrognathic mandible, normal or low-angle growth pattern, post-peak growth period and no extracted or congenitally missing permanent teeth. The statistical evaluation of the data suggested the following results: no significant sagittal and vertical skeletal changes were observed. The slight retrusion and extrusion of the maxillary incisors as well as the distinct protrusion and intrusion of mandibular incisors were found to be statistically significant. The occlusal plane rotated in clockwise direction as a result of these dentoalveolar changes. Overbite and overjet were reduced significantly in all patients. The changes related to soft tissue profile were limited. The correction of class ii malocclusion by sus² appliance in late-adolescence was achieved by only dentoalveolar changes. Thus, it can be an acceptable substitute to class ii elastics for noncompliant patients.