Orthodontists’ preferences in the use and timing of appliances for the correction of malocclusions in growing patients

Objective: To evaluate orthodontists’ preferences in the use and timing of appliances for the correction of Class II and Class III malocclusions in growing patients and the sociodemographic factors that influence these preferences. Material and Methods: Active members of the Colombian Orthodontics Society (SCO) were invited to complete a previously validated survey on the use of Class II and Class III correctors in growing patients. Results: 180 orthodontists responded (80 male, 100 female). The appliances used most frequently in the treatment of Class II malocclusion were Planas indirect tracks (32.78%) and Twin-blocks (30.56%). Facemasks (62.22%) and Progenie plates (25%) were the most prevalent appliances used in the treatment of Class III malocclusions. Regarding treatment timing, 52% of the orthodontists stated that Class II malocclusions must be treated during late mixed dentition or early permanent dentition, 42% stated that treatment for Class III malocclusions sho-uld occur during early mixed dentition. Appliance use and treatment timing were significantly associated with sex (p= 0.034), years of practice (p= 0.025), and area of work (private clinics or public institutions), (p= 0.039). Conclusion: Twin-blocks and Facemask appliances were the preferred appliances for Class II and Class III treatment, respectively, in growing patients. Most of the orthodontists believed that Class II malocclusions must be treated during late mixed dentition and that Class III malocclusions must be treated during early mixed dentition. Sociodemographic variables are related factors that influence orthodontists’ preferences in the use of these appliances.