Morphologic changes in the sagittal dimension using the Fränkel appliance

Abstract

Interceptive orthodontic treatment of four patients with the Fränkel appliance is presented. The Fränkel appliance is but one of many appliances available using the principle of functional jaw orthopedics. However, the Fränkel appliance seems to offer a broad range of potential corrections and appears worthy of consideration for early treatment by any orthodontist. The cases presented show various combinations of condylar growth, maxillary retraction, and dentoalveolar changes in the correction of Class II, Division I malocclusions with varying degrees of mandibular retrognathia. In all patients facial improvement was noted. Lateral expansion was also noted and offers another possibility in orthodontic treatment. It appears that the Fränkel appliance may be capable of taking advantage of three types of orthopedic correction: condylar growth, maxillary retraction, and lateral expansion. The possibilities of these changes occurring on a routine clinical level are discussed, and further studies of the Fränkel appliance are encouraged. It seems that, regardless of the orthodontist's choice of bands or bonds, the Fränkel appliance could be incorporated into any practice and offer potential orthopedic and/or orthodontic benefits for interceptive orthodontic treatment.