A Harmonious Arch: Treatment To Avoid Surgery And Provide Positive Results

The parents of the young man pictured (Figs. 1-5) came to me for a second opinion. They had been told by an orthodontist that their son was destined to have jaw surgery in the future. Upon dental examination, he was found to have a Class III dentally; 3 mm under bite; and 2mm under jet. The parents were not as concerned about his diastema– they were afraid of a future surgery for their son.

I explained that while their son may continue to develop into a Class III, interceptive treatment would definitely be indicated. Also upon clinical examination, per constricted nares and venous pooling, it was discovered he had a snoring issue; drooled on pillow at night; and had a slight malodor of his breath. I explained that while I saw no tonsils or adenoids per cephalogram (the parents denies a history of airway issues), I still advised them to see an otolaryngologist for an exam.