Comparison of two protocols for early treatment of dentoskeletal Class III malocclusion: Modified SEC III versus RME/FM

Objective To compare the short-term cephalometric outcomes of the protocols modified splints, Class III elastics, chincup (SEC III) and rapid maxillary expansion and facial mask (RME/FM) for the early treatment of growing subjects with Class III dentoskeletal malocclusion. Settings and sample population This retrospective observational study included 20 patients (11 males, nine females) treated with the modified SEC III protocol and 31 patients (16 males, 15 females) treated with the RME/FM one. The sample was evaluated before (T1, mean age 7.9 +/- 1.0 years) and at the end of treatment (T2, mean age 9.0 +/- 1.0 years). Statistical comparisons between the two groups were performed with independent sample t tests. Results Both the modified SEC III and the RME/FM sample groups showed significantly favourable effects in terms of maxillary advancement (SNA +1.3 degrees and +1.5 degrees, respectively), control of mandibular projection (SNB -0.5 degrees and -0.8 degrees, respectively), and intermaxillary relationships (ANB +1.8 degrees and +2.3 degrees, respectively; Wits +3.4 and +1.9 mm, respectively). The modified SEC III group showed a statistically significant greater control in the intermaxillary divergency considering the SN to Pal. Pl. (P < 0.006) and Pal. Pl. to Mand. Pl. angle (P < 0.002) with a difference of 2.3 mm between the two groups. Limitations The main limitations of this study are its retrospective nature and the short-term outcomes. Conclusion Early treatment of growing patients with dentoskeletal Class III disharmonies is efficient using either modified SEC III or RME/FM protocols. However, a higher vertical control is achieved with the modified SEC III.