COMPARISON OF CURVES OF SPEE IN CLASS II, DIVISION 1 MALOCCLUSIONS AND CLINICALLY NORMAL OCCLUSIONS

Leveling of the curve of Spee is part of orthodontic treatment and it should be considered in space management procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the curve of Spee in 72 dental casts, 14 with clinically normal occlusion and 58 Class II, division 1 malocclusion (age between 11 and 14 years). All patients had mandibular second molars and premolars erupted and in occlusion. The measurements were made using an instrument developed specially to this study and a precision electronic digital caliper ruler. Three measurements were realized in the right and left lower hemi arches: buccal cusp tips of the first and second bicuspids, and mesio-buccal cusp tips of the first molars. There were no significant statistical differences between the curve of Spee in the clinically normal occlusion and Class II, division 1 malocclusion, been analyzed the average values of both sides and in six selected points.