Centrographic analysis of 1-phase versus 2-phase treatment for Class II malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: Cephalometric analyses have been used by orthodontists to track growth and monitor treatment effects. Most of these analyses have normative values to which patients are compared, but some "normal" patients vary quite a bit from the normative values. The centrographic analysis is a visual analysis with no angles to measure or normative values to compare. After a reference plane is developed, the relative position of variable landmarks can be seen.

METHODS: We used the centroid centrographic analysis to study the effects of 1-phase and 2-phase orthodontic treatment. Phase 1 treatment consisted of bionator (n = 66), headgear/biteplane (n = 69), or observation (n = 65) until a Class I molar relationship was achieved or 2 years had elapsed. After 1 year, all subjects underwent full orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

RESULTS: Centrographic analysis showed that early treatment has effects on the mandible. However, the differences were not apparent by the end of fixed appliance treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The skeletal effects of phase 1 treatment disappear by the end of fixed appliance treatment.