Midfacial protraction with skeletally anchored face mask therapy: A novel approach and preliminary results

Introduction: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of facemask treatment with a rigid skeletal anchor. Methods: Miniplates were placed on the lateral nasal wall of the maxilla in 6 subjects (mean age, 11.8 +/- 1.1 years). No dental tissue was incorporated into the anchorage system. Lateral cephalograms of each patient were evaluated at the beginning of treatment (T1), at the end of active treatment (T2), and at the end of follow-up (T3). Results: In the horizontal plane, mean A-point movement was 4.8 +/- 2.0 mm in a mean of 10.8 +/- 2.4 months. The infraorbital region showed significant anterior movement (mean, 3.3 +/- 1.1 mm) at T2. At T3, advancement of the maxilla and the infraorbital region was well maintained (mean follow-up time, 15.2 +/- 0.9 months). Miniplate stability was excellent in all patients throughout treatment. Conclusions: Remarkable advancement in the middle face and consequent fullness in the soft-tissue profile can be achieved by using skeletal anchorage in conjunction with facemask therapy in the late mixed-dentition period.