Comparative Evaluation of the Forces Produced by Tongue on Circummaxillary Sutures in Skeletal Class-III Malocclusion with Maxillary Hypoplasia Using Tongue Crib with that of Facemask Therapy: A FEM Study

Introduction: The tongue exerts its force during swallowing, while it rests behind the crib. Magnitude of forces tongue exerts through tongue crib at various sutures, its implication in various grades of maxillary hypoplasia in Class III malocclusion is not provided in literature. The rationale of this study is to investigate stress distributions in the sutures of craniofacial region produced by forces applied by tongue through tongue crib in comparison with facemask therapy in Class III malocclusion with maxillary hypoplasia in maxillary protraction.

Objectives: The rationale of this study was to compare forces generated by tongue through tongue crib and facemask therapy in Class III malocclusion with maxillary hypoplasia in child of pubertal age group.

Methodology: Finite element model of skull would be generated and simulation of tongue crib and facemask therapy would be done and stresses would be studied at various sutures. Quantitative analysis is done by elucidating values of finite element analysis.

Expected Results: The forces produced by tongue on circummaxillary sutures in skeletal Class III malocclusion with maxillary hypoplasia using tongue crib with that of facemask therapy would be substantial.

Conclusion: Stress distribution produced by protraction forces exerted by tongue through tongue crib in comparison with facemask therapy in Class III malocclusion with maxillary hypoplasia would be studied through finite element analysis to promote growth in maxilla.