Three-phase treatment concept for skeletal Class III growing patients with severe space deficiency: A report of three cases with skeletally anchored maxillary protraction

Abstract

This report provides three-phase concept for treating skeletal Class III growing patients with severe space deficiency. Three cases are presented. All had received miniplate-anchored facemask treatment and followed till near completion of growth. Infrazygomatic miniplates were used for both facemask protraction and distalization of the dentition to relieve crowding. With the aid of bone-anchored facemask, maxillary protraction may be continued independent of the orthodontic tooth movement even in late postpubertal growth peak stage. With cephalometric superimpositions using the structural method, we have demonstrated how vertical dental change could affect the skeletal changes and overall clinical outcomes. The persistent mandibular growth during pubertal growth spurt plays a main role in decreasing the effects of maxillary protraction. To keep up with the mandibular growth, we recommend using skeletally anchored facemask long-term till the end of growth spurt. Applying maxillary protraction from infrazygomatic miniplates exposed at the molar area has the merits that it avoids unwanted palatal rotation and that the miniplates maybe used as orthodontic anchorage when indicated. We emphasize the importance of planning the treatment contemplating the skeletal developmental stage and the completion of dental arches. This prolonged orthopedic treatment may contribute to greater long-term effects and stability. Keywords: Class III, Maxillary protraction, Skeletal anchorage