Treatment of Class III Malocclusions in the Growing Patients

Pp: 61-115 (55)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Class III malocclusion and anterior crossbite are common clinical problems, especially in patients of Asian ancestry. Management of the developing Class III malocclusion continues to challenge practicing clinicians. This chapter focuses on the treatment of Class III malocclusions in growing patients. The question arises as to what type of Class III malocclusion will benefit from early treatment; when is a good time to start an early phase of orthodontic or orthopedic treatment; how successful are these treatments long-term; and do we have evidence in the literature to support early treatment? Protraction facemask is used in the treatment of Class III malocclusions with maxillary deficiencies. The question is whether side effects such as proclination of maxillary incisors and loss of arch length can be resolved using a bone anchored protraction device. These questions will be addressed and illustrated with clinical cases.

Keywords: Class III malocclusion, Frequency, Etiology, Diagnosis, Growth Prediction, Early treatment, Chin cap therapy, Maxillary protraction, Bone anchored protraction.