Sagittal Positional Changes of the Mandible Following Alignment and Levelling of Class II Division 2 Cases: An Observational Study in Decelerating Stages of Adolescent Growth Spurt

Introduction The objective of this observational study is to compare the dental and skeletal changes that occur following the release of incisor locking in class II division 2 patients in the decelerating phase of the adolescent growth spurt. Materials and methods Lateral cephalograms of 17 subjects with skeletal class II and division 2 malocclusion, taken at the pre-treatment (T1) and post-leveling and alignment (T2) phases, were analyzed. All these patients were treated with non-extraction methods in the initial stage. A total of 25 skeletal and dental parameters, which included linear and angular measurements, were evaluated. Statistical analysis A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in the dimensional values between (T1) and (T2) points of the time period. The results were considered statistically significant at Bonferroni adjusted p<0.002. Results A statistically significant positional change was noted in the condylar position both in the vertical and sagittal directions, resulting in sagittal changes of the mandible in the forward direction. The deep bite was relieved by vertical changes in the dental structures in both the posterior and anterior segments. Growth changes in the vertical direction were also noted but not conclusive. Conclusions There was a definite horizontal shift of the mandible, improving maxillo-mandibular relations following the unlocking of the bite in class II division 2 patients. This shift is mostly attributed to the condylar repositioning in the forward and downward directions.