Tandem Traction Bow Appliance for the Treatment of Skeletal Class III Malocclusion

Background and Objectives: Skeletal class III is a growth related discrepancy which continues and becomes more severe until active growth is completed. Approximately three percent of Indian population exhibits class III malocclusion. This can be due to a mid face deficiency, a large mandible or their combination. Various treatment modalities are available for correction of class III malocclusion in growing children, one of which is the Tandem Traction Bow Appliance (TTBA). This study was planned and designed to evaluate the dental and skeletal effects of TTBA used for the correction of skeletal Class III malocclusion with maxillary deficiency. Materials and Methods: An in-vivo study designed to study the effects of TTBA on class III malocclusion with maxillary deficiency. The study was carried out on ten patients (age 6-12 years). Pre and post lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed. Paired t test was used to compare values. Result: The significant changes seen in the dental and skeletal parameters were upper and lower incisor retraction, Increase in ANB angulations and forward and downward movement of the maxillary arch. Conclusion: TTBA is effective in early treatment of Skeletal Class III malocclusion. Being intraoral, patient compliance is improved, thus making TTBA easier to use, both for the clinician as well as for the patient.