Application of additional anthropometric and functional methods in children undergoing orthodontic treatment using braces

BACKGROUND: Occlusal interference causes instability in temporomandibular joint and hyperactivity of mastication muscles which eventually leads to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Therefore, achieving stable occlusion is important in young patients. It is key factor in optimizing functional occlusion in adulthood. AIM: Application of «The ABO Model Grading System» and Mandibular Position Indicator as an additional diagnostic method in children undergoing orthodontic treatment using braces. METHODS: Thirty-two patients aged 14 to 18 diagnosed with teeth crowding on the upper and lower jaws were examined, then separated in two groups of 16 people each. All patients underwent orthodontic treatment using braces. RESULTS: In group 2, due to application the anthropometrical system of quantitative evaluation ABO with re-fixing the incorrectly arranged braces by indirect bonding method, occlusal interferences were eliminated. MPI analysis showed discrepancy between the central occlusion and the central relation which was not as relevant as in the group 1 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using the anthropometric system of quantitative assessment of ABO with subsequent re-fixation of incorrectly placed braces by indirect bonding, effectively improves the MPI. This determines the unity of position between articular condyles on the lower jaw in the centric occlusion and in the centric relation, which allows to get a stable result of orthodontic treatment.