Class III Skeletal/Dental Non-Surgical Correction in an Adult Patient

Any time extractions are deemed necessary and utilized as a part of orthodontic treatment it could be labeled a “compromised” treatment solution. As orthodontic practitioners, we all wish every patient could be treated to an excellent ideal result maintaining all of the patient’s dentition. However in most adult patients we are unable to utilize expansion and jaw development to adequately accommodate alignment when severe crowding and/or skeletal malocclusions exist.

In non-severe Class II or III cases with crowding, removal of selected teeth can aid in camouflaging the skeletal discrepancy. With careful diagnosis and removal of bicuspids in a deliberate pattern, a stable and acceptable result can be achieved.

Patient Brandon C. presented for orthodontic treatment as a part of the Academy of Gp Orthodontics 12 session Hands-on Class. His chief complaint was crowding. He was a 30 year old Caucasian male with good facial symmetry, competent lips, and minimal gingival display. Initial intra-oral exam noted severe upper and lower crowding with Class III molars and cuspids, and an anterior cross bite. Periodontally he exhibited mild gingivitis, noted no habits, and no history of TMJ dysfunction (Fig. 1).