Treatment for Maxillary Hypoplasia in Skeletal Class III Patient

Objective: To present skeletal class III patient treated with protraction face mask and bonded rapid maxillary expander in order to demonstrate the effects of face mask and bonded rapid maxillary expander on maxillary hypoplasia skeletal class III patient. Materials and methods: The patient was reported with skeletal class III malocclusion. The patient was 11 year 3 month old boy and his treatment duration was 13 months. Bonded rapid maxillary expander was placed on maxillary posterior teeth. Rapid maxillary expander activation was done for one week once daily. Orthopedic force of 500 gm per side, 30 degree downward and forward from the occlusal plane was applied 12 to 14 hours per day. There after face mask therapy was started and continued for 13 months. Results: Treatment resulted in significant forward displacement of the maxilla. Side effects such as labial tipping of the upper incisors, extrusion of the upper molars, clockwise rotations of the mandibular plane, and bite opening, were minimal. Conclusion: Face mask with bonded rapid maxillary expander can be an effective treatment modality for maxillary hypoplasia in skeletal class III patient with minimal unwanted side effects.