Effects of reverse traction on upper airways

Abstract

To carry out a literature review on the effects of reverse traction on the upper airways. The design chosen was a systematic literature review. The search for articles was performed digitally, in the Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Google Scholar databases, using the following descriptors: Class III Angle malocclusion; extraoral traction appliances; functional fixed appliances; interceptive orthodontics. Publications related to the objectives listed in this research, articles in portuguese or english, published in the last 10 years, available in full text were included. Duplicate articles were excluded. 13 articles met the systematization criteria and were included in this review. Of these, only 1 was a systematic review, the others were clinical intervention studies or secondary data from patients. The main findings reported in the literature were improvement, increase and decompression of pharyngeal air spaces in patients with Class III facial growth pattern. With regard to the periods of use of this mechanic, even in the pubertal phase of growth, the results obtained with the treatment remained satisfactory. The use of protocols using rapid maxillary expansion accompanied by the use of a face mask were the mechanics that best suited the treatment.