A cephalometric study comparing vertical development of class II patients that underwent MARA or Twin-Block treatmen

Background and significance. Class II malocclusion is observed in 15% of the population. Adolescent patients with mandibular deficiency can be treated with functional appliances, like the mandibular anterior repositioning appliance (MARA) or the Twin-Block appliance (TB). Clinically, the TB appliance seems to facilitate better vertical development than the MARA because it allows for molar eruption. Purpose. To compare vertical development between patients treated with MARA or TB appliance. Methods. Records of patients treated with MARA (n=25) and those treated with TB (n=28) obtained from a private practice. Cephalometric X-rays were analyzed at (T1) and at (T2). Results from the two groups were compared using independent groups t-test. Results. Treatment with MARA resulted in less vertical development. Conclusion. Patients with a deep bite should be treated using a Twin-Block appliance to allow for molar eruption. Patients with a normal or open bite should be treated using a MARA to limit further vertical development.