Discomfort, Expectations and Experiences during Treatment of Class II Malocclusion with Clear Block and Twin Block Appliance - A Pilot Survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND Skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion is an antero posterior discrepancy between maxilla and mandible which is usually treated by functional appliances when the patient is in the growing phase. It has been shown that these functional orthodontic appliances may lead to pressure on the oral mucosa, soft tissue tension, oral constriction, toothache and pain. They may also lead to fatigue or to functional speech and respiratory disorders, and they may affect the appearance of the face. All of these undesired consequences affect the patients’ degree of compliance in a negative manner, and may in turn affect the patients’ perception towards the treatment. This study was conducted to investigate patient perception of treatment need, appliance acceptance, expectations of treatment influence on oral health, value of dental aesthetics and information concerning treatment procedures. METHODS Total 30 samples were selected 15 samples were cases treated with twin block appliance and other 15 samples were treated with clear block appliance. After 8 months of treatment, a questionnaire survey was conducted assessing discomfort, expectations and experiences of all patients being treated with clear block appliance and twin block appliance. RESULTS Clear block seemed to be better with regard to all the parameters used in the study but on statistical analysis the difference between the two groups was insignificant. CONCLUSIONS Clear block appliance was designed to increase the compliance of the patient. However, clear block and twin block appliance have similar effects. KEY WORDS Class II, Clear Block, Twin Block