A biomechanical analysis of the effects of a new modified face bow on the treatment of high angle cases

Aim of the study: To evaluate biomechanically the capabilities of a new modified face in producing distal molar movement in patients with high angle skeletal dysplasia. Materials and methods: A sample of 20 patients with age range 14-18 years was randomly selected from the outpatient clinic of the Orthodontic Department in the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University. They were then divided into: group 1; treated with the modified face bow with high pull traction, group 2; treated with the conventional high pull headgear, 12-14 h/day for 12 months. Results: U6/PP° showed a statistically significant reduction; p 0.001, in group 1. There was no significant difference in U6/PP° in group 2. U6/S perpendicular showed no significant difference between groups; p = 0.179, or within the same group before and after treatment; p = 0.330. Conclusion: No significant distalization occurred with either the conventional high pull headgear or the new modified face bow. However, distal root tipping occurred with the new modified face bow which could provide material for further studies.