Validity of Randomized Clinical Trials in Evaluating the Outcome of Class II Treatment

Most studies that have investigated treatment outcomes of Class II malocclusions do not reflect clinical reality. The design of these clinical studies has failed to take into consideration the true nature of Class II malocclusions. Randomized clinical trials have recently been used to evaluate the outcome of different treatment approaches in the correction of Class II malocclusions. These types of studies are designed for a specific medical problem and may not be suitable for the evaluation of a malocclusion that may be the result of different maxillofacial abnormalities or a combination of them. Evidence-based dentistry is the gold standard; however, the value of the evidence in guiding the clinician given by recent randomized clinical trials is questionable. We cannot apply the results of randomized clinical trials to everyday clinical practice. If we do, some patients will not benefit from the potential outcome of orthopedic treatment. This article will discuss the validity of recent clinical studies, especially randomized clinical trials on Class II malocclusion treatment.