Orthodontic compensation in skeletal Class III malocclusion: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the dentoskeletal changes occurring during treatment of a patient with a skeletal Class III malocclusion treated for orthodontic compensation at 10 years 4 months of age.


METHODS
Rapid maxillary expansion was performed with a Hyrax appliance, Petit orthopedic face mask, high-pull chin cap, and bioprogressive fixed mechanics.


RESULTS
The mechanics employed yielded downward and backward mandibular rotation (3 degrees of opening of the facial axis), advancement of the maxillary incisors, and retraction of the mandibular incisors. The result was satisfactory from both esthetic and functional standpoints, providing adequate overjet and overbite, and with stability at 5 years posttreatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The option for compensatory treatment of the skeletal Class III malocclusion without extractions and without orthognathic surgery might be a good option for young patients with good compliance, convergent facial pattern (brachyfacial), and with deep bite, since such occlusal characteristics allow the downward and backward mandibular rotation that is necessary for correction of this problem.
de Figueiredo
Márcio Antonio
MA
Department of Orthodontics, Methodist University of São Paulo, Brazil. marcioafigueiredo@uol.com.br
Siqueira
Danilo Furquim
DF
Bommarito
Silvana
S
Scanavini
Marco Antonio
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D002508:Cephalometry; D003481:Cuspid / Q000503:physiopathology; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D005115:Extraoral Traction Appliances; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000628:therapy*; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000628:therapy