Orthodontic compensation in skeletal Class III malocclusion: a case report.

AIM: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.