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Scientific studies have shown that dysfunctional problems associated with dysmorphisms are the base of malocclusion. The position of the mouth and the head is a component of the general postural arrangement, so any head misalignment creates disharmonies and tensions among the neck muscles. Elastodontics is a treatment based on the use of removable elastomeric devices. These functional appliances are made of elastomeric material, acting tridimensionally on a neuromuscular system with orthopaedic and dental effects. Bioactivators have a vestibular and lingual flange with a free central area that permits them to position teeth without constraints. The flanges are linked by an occlusal plane that maintains the two skeletal bases and teeth in first-class normocclusion with propulsive and retropulsive effects on the maxilla and mandible. Elastomeric devices are generally well tolerated by patients requiring simple collaboration and management. This review aim is to describe the indications and limits of orthodontic therapy with elastomeric devices to provide an overview of elastodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study analyzed the changes obtained on the upper airway and hyoid bone dimensions in a group of patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with functional elastodontic devices compared to an untreated control group. Methods: A group of 33 patients (19 females and 14 males) with Class II malocclusion treated with AMCOP® SC elastodontic device was compared with a control group of 35 subjects (17 females and 18 males) with untreated Class II malocclusion. Lateral cephalograms were available at the start (T0) and end of treatment/period of observation (T1). Cephalometric analysis was performed and linear measurements to evaluate airway space and hyoid bone position were also obtained. A multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures (MANOVA) was performed to determine the effects of interactions for the groups for time. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the study group from T0 and T1 with an improvement of superior upper airway (SPAS p < 0.0001), while in the control group it did not change in a statistically significant way from T0 to T1. The MANOVA test showed statistically significant differences between the two groups for the changes of SPAS (p = 0.003), IAS (p = 0.049), and H-C3 vertical (p = 0.038) values. Conclusions: Functional elastodontic therapy produced significant favorable airway changes in skeletal class II subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management of a hyperdivergent growth pattern is one of the most challenging in orthodontics and different treatments are advocated. The present study analyses the effectiveness of elastodontic therapy with AMCOP® devices in treating children with hyperdivergent class II malocclusion and the effect on the upper airway patency. Methods: The study group included 21 patients (10 males and 11 females, mean age 8.22 ± 1.17 years) with a hyperdivergent growth and a class II malocclusion treated with AMCOP® devices. Cephalometric analysis was performed before treatment (T0) and after treatment (T1). Results: After treatment, the cephalometric analysis revealed a correction of the class II malocclusion and a modification of the growth pattern with a divergence reduction. The improvement of the upper airway space was also observed. Conclusion: The elastodontic therapy effectively corrected hyperdivergent class II malocclusion in growing patients over a short period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]