Surgical-orthodontic retreatment of a severe skeletal Class III malocclusion following an orthodontic camouflage

Abstract

Class III malocclusions are some of the most difficult occlusal anomalies to be treated. Some patients with this condition may require orthognathic surgery, while others may be treated with dental camouflage. Proper patient assessment and selection remains critical in order to achieve favorable results. This report outlines the case of an 18-year-old male who sought retreatment for a severe skeletal Class III dentofacial deformity after undergoing orthodontic camouflage treatment involving mandibular arch extractions. A treatment plan comprising dental decompensation and orthognathic surgery was implemented in order to achieve optimal facial and occlusal results. After 28 months of treatment, skeletal and dental correction was achieved and facial features were significantly improved. The orthognathic surgery required a 20-mm sagittal maxillomandibular skeletal correction, combined with a 4-mm correction of the midlines and a 2-mm impaction of the maxilla. Dental compensation may be a risky treatment alternative for severe dentoskeletal discrepancies. In these patients, orthodontics combined with orthognathic surgery is the recommended treatment option.