Early treatment of pseudo-class III malocclusion with modified swallowing occlusal contact intercept appliance (S.O.C.I.A.)

Aims: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of swallowing occlusal contact intercept appliance (SOCIA) III in pseudo Class III malocclusion treatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients (mean age: 9.46 years old) with pseudo-Class III malocclusion and 22 pseudo-Class III untreated controls (mean age: 8.7 years old) were selected and examined. All patients presented with a cervical stage CS2, CS3, or CS4. Patients with CS5 were not enrolled in the study. Cephalometric analysis was performed before phase 1 treatment (T1) and immediately following phase 2 treatment (T2). Statistical Analysis: Paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: SOCIA III had skeletal and dental effects. The main effects of SOCIA III were on the midface with an effective increase of the sagittal growth (cranial base P < 0.001, anterior cranial base (ACB) P < 0.001, and maxilla growth P < 0.001) and vertical growth (anterior facial height P < 0.001). The effects of SOCIA on the mandible were a control of mandibular postrotation (P = 0.82) and the sagittal growth (P < 0.007). At the end of the treatment, a normal overjet was achieved (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The SOCIA III effects are resumed as follow: (a) an effective maxillary sagittal increase on the sagittal plane; (b) a vertical mandibular control; (c) a resolution of overjet; (d) no increase of overbite; (e) a stimulation of ACB growth.