2015 AAO Winter Conf - Point/Counterpoint: Orthopedic Treatment of Class III Malocclusion / Point/Counterpoint: Orthodontic Camouflage of Class III

Point/Counterpoint: Orthopedic Treatment of Class III Malocclusion

Class III malocclusion is characterized by a malrelationship of the maxilla and mandible, with maxillary hypoplasia being the most common characteristic. Facemask/ palatal expansion therapy has become the most common and predictable approach to early correction, which occurs by a combination of skeletal and dental movements. The amount of skeletal vs dental movement is due to many factors such as the expansion protocol, protraction force levels, hours of wear per day, overall treatment time, appliance design, retention protocol, and individual variation. Because of the skeletal etiology of Class III malocclusion, treatment focused on improving skeletal relations would seem to be most prudent with camouflage therapies limited/held for those cases with limited to no growth remaining, needing dental movements to obtain a final acceptable result.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the mechanism by which the facemask corrects a Class III malocclusion
• Determine the effectiveness of facemask therapy at different ages
• Discuss the benefits of palatal expansion in early Class III treatment

Point/Counterpoint: Orthodontic Camouflage of Class III

Class III problems with intermediate severity can be effectively managed with a camouflage treatment approach that improves the occlusion but does not change the underlying skeletal imbalance. This presentation will describe the case characteristics of Class III patients that will most likely benefit from a camouflage approach. In addition, this presentation will illustrate patient management strategies that are useful when treating growing patients with a “camouflage treatment plan” so that risks are minimized and parent and patient expectations are achieved.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the case characteristics of Class III patients who will benefit from camouflage management of their malocclusion
• Define the limitations of camouflage therapy for the growing Class III patient
• Differentiate Class III camouflage patients from Class III orthopedic patients and Class III surgical patients