Orthodontic Camouflage of Borderline Skeletal Class III MalocclusionA Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Camouflage treatment in borderline Class III patients, especially those who refuse a surgical line of treatment, remains a challenge to the orthodontists. Such patients were usually treated using Class III elastics and lower premolar extractions. Mandibular arch distalisation is an alternative option for non extraction Class III camouflage. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) help in achieving effective mandibular molar distalisation and are more accepted by adult patients. This case report discusses the diagnosis and management of two different presentations of borderline skeletal Class III malocclusion treated with miniscrew assisted mandibular arch distalisation. Two adult female patients between 18-20 years of age presented with a skeletal Class III malocclusion, average growth pattern, super Class I molar relationship and straight facial profile. The patients did not agree for a surgical line of treatment. Camouflage treatment by distalisation of mandibular arch using buccal miniscrew implants was done. Inter-radicular miniscrews were placed between mandibular second premolar and first molar to apply distalisation force of 250 gm/side. Lower arch distalisation of 2-3 mm was achieved in an average of 4.6 months. The outcomes were well retained 3 years post-treatment.