Nonsurgical Treatment of a Patient with Class III Malocclusion and Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Combined Orthodontic-Prosthodontic Approach

Abstract

ABSTRACTClass III treatment is a considerable clinical challenge and commonly includes (a) growth modification involving a chincup to restrain mandibular growth or a facemask to protract the maxilla, (b) dentoalveolar compensation or camouflage involving dental extractions and (c) orthognathic surgery. Surgical treatment is the preferred and most stable treatment for adult patients with severe skeletal class III malocclusion. Patients with borderline dentoalveolar compensation who are not willing to accept the costs, risks and potential complications of surgery can sometimes be treated successfully with camouflage orthodontics. In more extreme cases, however, conservative orthodontic treatment may lead to adverse side effects, such as periodontal disease and root resorption as well as poor long-term stability. It is not clear which mechanics are most appropriate or which patients are most likely to benefit from an orthodontic approach to severe skeletal class III malocclusion. In this list of alternatives, orthodontic treatment is often seen as either a less-desirable alternative to surgery or a treatment reserved for milder skeletal problems. This report questions this hierarchy of treatment options.How to cite this articleDoshi SS, Jayarama M, Gaikwad S Mhatre A, Ravindranath. Nonsurgical Treatment of a Patient with Class III Malocclusion and Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Combined Orthodontic-Prosthodontic Approach. J Contemp Dent 2012;2(2):57-63.