Abstract
Introduction and aim: The aim of this article is to introduce the method of skeletally anchored inter-jaw elastic forces in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion to the dental specialists. Skeletal class III malocclusion is an anomaly that affects 4-14% of the population in the context of anthropological specifics of different ethnic groups, with 0.48-4.0% in the Caucasian European and North American populations.
This diagnosis in children often opens many therapeutic embarrassments not only in dentist, but also in orthodontist office. If the skeletal class III malocclusion develops dynamically and, moreover, with the emphasis on the unfavorable type of growth, during the adolescence it may result in the indication of demanding jaw correction operation.
This is always accompanied with a complex orthodontic preparation, necessary postoperative orthodontic treatment and a long-term retention phase. In some types of skeletal class III malocclusions, it is possible to successfully intervene during growth.
Early differential diagnosis by an orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon is essential, followed by the determination of the most effective procedure for comprehensive treatment. Except for the described method, skeletal class III malocclusions are treated using removable and fixed appliances or extraoral elastic forces at the time of growth.
A goal of this early age treatment is to create and maintain an overbite of the upper frontal teeth, to expand the upper dental arch, and to control the growth tendencies of the lower jaw at the time of dental replacement. Methods: The authors describe a surgical and orthodontic protocol for the use of skeletally anchored Bollard modified miniplates, which offers a therapeutic alternative to challenging orthognathic surgery.
With a proper indication, the skeletal class III malocclusion manifestation can be significantly reduced and orthodontically compensated entirely or only partially to reduce the invasivity and extent of the necessary final orthognathic surgical intervention. The presented method offers a possibility of a growth modification of the upper jaw or of the entire stomatognathic system together with occlusion and dental arches relationship.
An orthodontic part of the treatment involves adjusting the size and shape of dental arches, especially the transversal dimension of the upper dental arch. Furthermore, by applying elastic forces, the orthodontist regulates the growth of the jaws and adjusts, respectively changes their relationship.
A surgical part consists of insertion of the skeletally anchored miniplates for application intermaxillary elastic forces. Results and conclusion: The authors present the therapeutic procedure which, despite its simplicity, remains on a margin of professional interest and out of the spectrum of commonly indicated methods of choice.
The therapeutic appliances, considered diagnostic criteria and orthodontic as well as surgical treatment protocol are discussed, including possible complications.