Clinical and radiological aspects in the functional treatment of mandibular retrognathia

Abstract

Background. Mandibular retrognathia is defined as a posterior position of the mandible in relation to the base of the skull. The anomaly is one of the most common disorders of facial skeletal growth, with a prevalence of 41%– 56%. A study conducted in the Republic of Moldova by Trifan V. (2015) highlights the anomaly in 17.7 ± 0.92% of children. Objective of the study: Analysis of facial and occlusal signs in patients with mandibular retrognathia and their evaluation following functional orthodontic treatment. Objectives:1.Assessment of facial signs in patients with mandibular retrognathia; 2.Determination of occlusal disorders and their evaluation following functional treatment; 3.Establishment of the evolution of facial signs following treatment with Clark Twin Blocks. Material and methods. The study is descriptive and retrospective, covering the period 2023-2026. The research included 15 patients with Angle Class II malocclusion associated with posterior mandibular position. The diagnosis was made using radiological methods (orthopantomography, cephalometry), biometric model study (Pont, Korchaus), photostatic examination according to Subtelny. Clark Twin blocks were used in treatment. Results and discussion. Respiratory disorders were detected in 11 (73%) patients. The SNB angle showed values between 70° and 77°, indicating the posterior position of the mandible in relation to the cranial base. The ANB angle had values between 5° and 7.5°, confirming the Angle Class II sagittal relationship. A compression of the dental arches by 4-6 mm was detected. Following functional treatment, the soft tissue profile angle according to Subtelny was increased by an average of 5°. Conclusions: All patients were found to have a convex profile with chin retraction, and respiratory disorders were determined in 11(73.3%) cases. The application of functional treatment with Twin Clark blocks allowed the correction of the lateral and frontal teeth relationships in three planes of space. The angle of the soft tissue profile according to Subtelny was increased by 5°.