CLINICAL CASE: Quick Correction of a Skeletal Class III Maloclussion in Primary Dentition with Face Mask Plus Rapid Maxillary Expansion Therapy

Skeletal Class III is a malocclusion characterized by anterior crossbite as a result of an abnormal skeletal maxillary and mandibular base discrepancy, which involves disharmony of craneofacial skeleton and profile.

The preferred management for children having skeletal Class III malocclusion with retruded maxilla and/or prognathic mandible is the use of devices that encourage the growth and anterior movement of the maxilla bone and/or restrict the exessive mandible growth.

PDF: Lingual orthodontic treatment of an adult skeletal Class III patient with mandibular deviation to the left side, lateral open bite, unilateral posterior crossbite, zero overbite and negative overjet without orthognathic surgery (PATREON)

The orthopedic treatment consisting of a face mask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) produces the most dramatic results in the shortest period of time. 

The purpose of this article is to review a quick correction of skeletal class III maloclussion in the primary dentition through a case example with use of a face mask plus rapid maxillary expansion therapy in a 5 year-old male patient due to a combination of retruded maxilla and protruded mandible, in primary dentition, who was treated with a Petit face mask in conjunction with a bonded RME intraoral appliance added with bite blocks.

The first evident occlusal outcomes were a clockwise rotation of the mandible, a positive overjet of 3 mm, a correct overbite, a canine Class I relationship, and a bilateral flush terminal plane. 

After discussing the present clinical case report and the related published literature, we concluded that skeletal class III malocclusions should be treated as soon as the first clinical signs of abnormal craniofacial growth are recognized, during the first years of life.

CLINICAL CASE: Nonsurgical Treatment of Class III Malocclusion with Both Anterior and Posterior Crossbites Combined with Impacted and Congenitally Missed Teeth

CLINICAL CASE REPORT 

A Mexican 5.1 year old-boy came to the Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate Program Clinic with the chief complaint of anterior crossbite and prominent lower teeth. Parents manifested that a child’s grandfather had a similar malocclusion. Medical history with no relevant information. 

On extraoral examination, the facial profile was convex, without facial asymmetry, anterior divergent face competent lips, lower lip relatively protruded, and acute nasolabial angle.

VIDEO: CLASS III TREATMENT with Implant Site Development - Dr. Chris Chang. The occurrence of Class III malocclusion is believed to be hereditary although environmental factors such as habits and mouth breathing may play a role.

Intraoraly, the patient exhibited several enamel white spot lesions but not evident caries cavities; his primary dentition occlusion showed interdental spaces, a bilateral exaggerated mesial terminal plane and Class III canine relationship, anterior crossbite of the four primary incisors (overjet–5 mm and deep reverse overbite+3.5 mm); the upper arch exhibited a normal width. 

Functional examination no exhibited premature contact points, and oral hygiene and gingival conditions were considered as acceptable. His smile was unpleasent because the lack of display of upper incisors. 

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