Abstract
The use of the MUH Shield, which is a functional orthodontic appliance used to improve muscular balance, is the one first selected to treat cases of anterior cross bite during the primary dentition period. However, since improvement in the overlap is not obtained in some cases, it is necessary to evaluate the criteria for judging indications for functional orthodontic appliances. In this study, using lateral X-ray cephalograms before treatment in 10 pediatric patients in whom anterior cross bite in the primary dentition improved using the MUH Shield alone (single use group), and in 10 pediatric patients in whom it improved by the combined use of the MUH Shield and other appliances (combined use group), maxillo-facial morphological measurement items including the position of the hyoid bone were compared between the 2 groups.
As a result, the combined use group showed significant differences in ANB, AO-BO, overjet, and Kix-index, which are maxillo-facial measurement items, in comparison with the single use group.
It is suggested that these items could be used as the criteria for judging indications for functional orthodontic appliances, before starting treatment for cases of anterior cross bite in the primary dentition period.
