Whenever a jaw discrepancy exists, the ideal solution is to correct it by modifying the child’s facial growth, so that the skeletal problems are corrected by more or less growth of one jaw than the other. Unfortunately, such an ideal solution is not always possible, but growth modification for skeletal problems can be successful.
The important principles to keep in mind when growth modification is considered for a preadolescent or adolescent are –
1)If you start Growth modification too late it doesn’t work but if you start too soon, it takes too long.
2)Growth occurs on a different timetable for the three planes of space.
3)Children’s compliance with treatment is affected by both their stage of maturation and the difficulty of the instructions given during treatment.
The timing of maturation and potential to effect a change in the different facial planes is not uniform. For example, the maxillary growth in the transverse plane is the first to cease followed by the vertical and then sagittal growth.
Fixed functional correctors like Herbst appliance, Powerscope, MARA, Forsus appliance, etc. are popularly used in mixed dentition and early permanent dentition.