Skeletal Class 3

The skeletal Class III is one of the few truly genetic malocclusions. It is the result of the patient inheriting either a long mandible and/or the position of the glenoid fossa forward in the cranium. The objectives in treating the skeletal Class III are:

• Retard the growth of the mandible and prevent it from obtaining its genetic potential.
• Increase the anterior-posterior length of the maxilla as much as possible to compensate the larger mandible.
• Pull the maxilla forward in the cranium to create a positive skeletal over jet.

The skeletal Class III child should be treated as early as the Class III growth pattern can be detected. The longer the treatment is delayed, the higher the probability of orthognathic surgery.

The treatment involves over correcting the Class III as much as possible, followed by night time retention until the patient completes the final pubertal growth. The orthodontic finish is delayed if possible until the patient’s growth is complete.

After

After

Before X-Ray

Orthopedic Appliances
Pre-Surgery

X-Ray

Occlusal Views

Post-Surgery

Post-Surgery