Effectiveness of early orthodontic treatment with the twin-block appliance: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Part 2: psychosocial effects

• Published in: American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics 2003-11, Vol.124 (5), p.488-494
• Main Authors: O'Brien, Kevin, Wright, Jean, Conboy, Frances, Chadwick, Stephen, Connolly, Ivan, Cook, Paul, Birnie, David, Hammond, Mark, Harradine, Nigel, Lewis, David, McDade, Cathy, Mitchell, Laura, Murray, Alison, O'Neill, Julian, Read, Mike, Robinson, Stephen, Roberts-Harry, Dai, Sandler, Jonathan, Shaw, Ian, Berk, Nancy W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Child; Dentistry; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Malocclusion, Angle Class II - psychology; Malocclusion, Angle Class II - therapy; Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; Orthodontics, Interceptive - instrumentation; Orthodontics, Interceptive - psychology; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Self Concept; Social Class; Social Desirability; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0889-5406; 1097-6752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2003.06.001

The aims of this project were to evaluate whether early orthodontic treatment with the Twin-block appliance for the developing Class II Division 1 malocclusion resulted in any psychosocial benefits. This multicenter trial was carried out in the United Kingdom, with 174 children aged 8 to 10 years with Class II Division 1 malocclusions randomly allocated to receive treatment with Twin-block appliances or to an untreated control group. Data were collected at the start of the study and 15 months later. Results showed that early treatment with Twin-block appliances resulted in an increase in self-concept and a reduction of negative social experiences. The subjects also reported treatment benefits that could be related to improved self-esteem. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which these effects translate into social behavior and experiences.