Effect of twin block and forsus on Pharyngeal airway dimensions: A comparative study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of Twin Block and Forsus on the Posterior Airway Passage (PAP) and Posterior pharyngeal wall Thickness (PPWT) in the treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusion. This was a 2-arm parallel, randomized controlled trial. A total of 24 Class II division 1 malocclusion patients indicated for treatment with functional appliances were randomized and equally divided among Twin Block and Forsus (3M Unitek Corp, Monrovia, Calif) groups. Skeletal changes, PAP changes and PPWT were compared using Twin Block and Forsus. Block randomization was determined by a computer-generated random number table. Blinding was performed for both participants and data analyser. 24 patients were analysed and statistical analysis were carried out using Student’s t-test and T test of Equality of Means (P <0.05). Significant increase in oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions with no dimensional changes of nasopharynx, dimensional changes in soft palate thickness and length, and decompensatory action in thickness in the posterior pharyngeal wall was seen with both the appliances. On intergroup comparison insignificant results were observed between both the appliances indicating similar effect on PAP and PPWT. Both Twin Block and Forsus are effective in improving PAP and PPWT while correcting Class II malocclusion.