Class III Treatment with Skeletal and Dental Anchorage: A Review of Comparative Effects

OBJECTIVES: This review addresses the comparative effects of skeletal anchored maxillary protraction (MP) versus dental anchored MP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The studies retrieved had to have both test and control groups treated by the use of a facemask with or without the use of skeletal anchorage though either (palatal/buccal) maxillary or mandibular miniscrews/miniplates, respectively. RESULTS: Nine articles were included. Dentoalveolar changes were seen in all the studies. In particular, a significant proclination of the upper incisors was documented in the group treated with a dental anchorage facial mask, as compared to that treated with skeletal anchorage. Comparing the two methods, almost all the studies indicated a greater maxillary advancement in the group treated with skeletal anchorage. CONCLUSIONS: Therapies with skeletal anchorage produce greater maxillary protraction, reducing undesirable dental effects.