The Effect of the Twin-Block System on the TMJ using Axiograph

  • Dr Ahmad A Rahal, Pakistan

In the maxillofacial area the most common malocclusion is skeletal CLII. In cases of retrusive mandible the first choice of treatment is the functional orthopedic appliances.Functional orthopedic treatment is a major dispute topic in the world of orthodontics. Many researchers, e.g. ROTH et al., refuse this type of treatment, claiming that it would damage the TMJ and will cause temporomandibular disorders. One of the most important signs of TMD is the deviation in the mandibular movements. To evaluate these symptoms the most accurate procedure is to use the Axiograph. In our research we evaluated the effects of the twin-blok system (twin-blok functional appliance and concord face bow) on the TMJ using SAM-Axiograph. Two groups were created: one treatment group (17 individual) and one control group (15 individual), the individuals were all skeletal and dental classII, the average age of the individuals was 12 years old. As for the treatment group, Twin- blok system was used for six months, classII was treated and turned into classI. Before the beginning of the treatment and in the end of the six months, cephalometric x-rays, Axiograph records were taken and evaluated. For the control group the same records were taken.