THE RATIONAL METHOD OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN RURAL SCHOOL CHILDREN
Aim. To analyze the effect of orthodontic devices in treating malocclusion in rural schoolchildren. Methods. The first group consisted of 25 schoolchildren aged 9-10 years with malocclusions treated with Frankel functional regulator, the second group consisted of 25 schoolchildren of the comparable age treated with function generating bite. Treatment results were assessed after 12 months of treatment in both groups. The treatment success was defined by calculation of the Pont’s and Korkhaus indices of dental arch dimensions. An adaptation to orthodontic devices was controlled monthly. Results. Schoolchildren treated with Frankel functional regulator abandoned treatment in 24% of cases (6 out of 25 cases), while treated with function generating bite in 8% of cases (2 out of 25 cases). Dental arch expansion was registered in both groups. In patients treated with Frankel functional regulator the dental arch expansion reached 2.4-3 mm (mean value 2.7±0.3 mm), with function generating bite 2.8-3.2 mm (mean value 3.0±0.2 mm). Conclusion. Function generating bite was the most rational malocclusion treatment in rural schoolchildren, its use was associated with lesser number of dropouts due to discomfort and allowed to achieve better results.