Evaluation of the cephalometrics modification of growing Class II Division I patients after treatment with the PUL appliance: a pilot study. [Valutazione delle modificazioni cefalometriche di pazienti di Classe II Divisione 1 in crescita dopo trattamento con il propulsore universale light (PUL): Studio pilota]

Aim. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate short-term dentoskeletal changes obtained with a functional appliance for Class II Division I malocclusions called propulsor universal light (PUL). Methods. Fifteen Class II Division 1 patients (10.6±1.2 years) were consecutively treated by one expert operator with PUL appliance and they were compared with a longitudinal group of Class II Division I untreated patients (9.9±1.9 years) matched for pubertal growth spurt stage and sex. Lateral cephalograms were taken before PUL therapy and at the end of treatment. The mean duration of treatment was 11.2±0.3 months; t-test or Mann-Whitney 17-test was used (P <0.05). Results. Statistically significant reduction of the overjet, WITS and ANB was noticed in treated group as well as a significant improvement of CoGo and Ramus. Conclusion. Class II Division I malocclusion in the short term was efficiently treated by PUL appliance with both skeletal and dentoalveolar changes.