Case Reports in Dentistry (Jan 2020)

Management of the Vertical Dimension in the Camouflage Treatment of an Adult Skeletal Class III Malocclusion

  • Manuel Gustavo Chávez Sevillano,
  • Gina Judith Flores Diaz,
  • Luciane Macedo de Menezes,
  • Livia Kelly Ferraz Nunes,
  • José Augusto Mendes Miguel,
  • Cátia Cardoso Abdo Quintão

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8854588
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2020

Abstract

Read online

Treating skeletal class III malocclusions is one of the biggest challenges in Orthodontics. Given the complexity of these cases, orthognathic surgery is often the best treatment option. However, many patients refuse this treatment due to its risks, morbidity, and costs involved. Alternatively, dental compensation can be planned for some of these skeletal problems. This case report presents a dentoalveolar compensation in the orthodontic treatment of a 20-year-old female patient with class III malocclusion, concave profile, anterior crossbite, mandibular prognathism, maxillary retrusion, and a vertical deficiency in the posterior region. Treatment planning involved a multiloop edgewise archwire (MEAW) associated with intermaxillary elastics with counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane in the posterior region of the maxilla aiming at obtaining an increased posterior vertical dimension. After 24 months of treatment, the severe anterior crossbite was corrected, and the skeletal class III relationship was camouflaged. At the end of the orthodontic treatment, it was possible to observe an improved facial profile, a nice smile, and a functional occlusion. The results remained stable at a three-year follow-up. The MEAW, associated with the use of elastics, seems to be an effective treatment option for class III camouflage with reduced posterior vertical dimension with no need for additional anchoring devices but requiring adequate bending of wires and patient compliance.