Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of facemask protraction on skeletal Class III adult patients.
Methods: Totally 15 skeletal Class III patients (male 7, female 8, aged 18 - 24 years) were included in the study. Removable and fixed appliances were used in the upper or lower arches. Facemask protraction was used at night for about 7 months and Class III elastics were worn during the day. The total treatment time was 24 mouths on average. Cephalometric analysis was carried out before and after treatment.
Results: The profile was greatly improved and Class I molar relationship was achieved. SNA angle was increased from (79.6 ± 3.7)° to (81.1 ± 3.8)°. SNB angle was decreased from (83.5 ± 3.3)° to (82.6 ± 3.6)°. ANB angle was increased from (-4.1 ± 2.0)° to (-1.5 ± 1.8)°.
Conclusions: Protraction was effective in the treatment of skeletal Class III adult patients.