Efficacy of elastodontic devices in overjet and overbite reduction assessed by computer-aid evaluation

• Main Authors: Eleonora Ortu, Davide Pietropaoli, Samuele Cova, Maria Chiara Marci, Annalisa Monaco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-05-01
• Series: BMC Oral Health
• Subjects: Orthodontic; Elastodontic device; Overjet; Overbite; Malocclusion
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-021-01628-7

Abstract Background This study aimed to verify the efficacy of two elastodontic devices in overjet (OJ) and overbite (OB) reduction during treatment with the Equilibrator Series II (Eptamed) and Occlus-o-Guide (Sweden & Martina) devices. Method Sixty patients aged 7–15 years were enrolled in the study, and were divided into test and control groups. The test group included 30 patients (14 males, 16 females; mean age, 10.66 ± 2.12 years) treated with the EQ (Equilibrator) Series II. The control group included 30 patients (15 males, 15 females; mean age, 10.76 ± 2.52 years) treated with the Occlus-o-Guide. The two groups exhibited the same orthodontic features. The orthodontic criteria were: skeletal and dental class II malocclusion (divisions 1 and 2); and the presence of OJ and OB. Evaluation of OJ and OB was performed at two timepoints: T0 (before starting therapy) and T1 (after 1 year). Results At T0, OJ and OB were similar for the two groups; however, at T1, both OJ and OB were significantly lower with the Eptamed device compared to the Occlus-o-Guide device (p = 0.0019). Conclusions Elastodontic devices improve orthodontic outcomes by aiding orthodontic patient management, diagnosis, and treatment planning, reducing the risk relapse acting on the whole organism and the rehabilitation of the tongue.