Combined Orthodontic − Surgical Treatment of a Severe Class III Dentofacial Deformity – Case Report

The Class III skeletal deformity may be due to a horizontal excess of the mandible, an antero−posterior deficiency of the maxilla, or both. In patients with a severe Class III skeletal discrepancies, growth modification and orthodontic camouflage, not only can compromise the aesthetics but also can jeopardize the stability of the results. In such cases the combined surgical – orthodontic correction is considered the best treatment modality. Simultaneous mobilization of the maxilla and mandible is often needed to correct severe Class III dentofacial deformities. In the treatment of these malformations it has been shown that the team approach is very important to achieve high−quality functional and aesthetical results. Most cases of Class III dentofacial deformities require orthodontic preparation in order to align dental arches and decompensate anterior teeth. This permits optimal positioning between dental arches after bimaxillary movement. The authors present a case of an 18−year−old female patient with a severe Class III dentofa− cial deformity interdisciplinary treated using orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. They demonstrate the stages of planning and discuss surgical techniques and results obtained (Dent. Med. Probl. 2007, 44, 1, 81–86).