Severe skeletal bimaxillary protrusion treated with micro-implants and a self-made four-curvature torquing auxiliary: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Bimaxillary protrusion is a clinically common dentofacial deformity, particularly among Chinese patients. This kind of malformation can severely affect facial esthetics and, even in mild cases, is difficult to correct without surgery. Unfortunately, many patients abandon treatment because of fear of surgery. Here, we describe a case of severe skeletal bimaxillary protrusion treated with nonsurgical orthodontic treatments, highlighting an alternative treatment option. CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old woman wished to address a severe protrusion profile (approximately 8 mm overbite) and gummy smile. Cephalometric analysis and superimposition showed a severe skeletal class II pattern with a mandibular retrusion, and proclined and protrusive mandibular incisors. Panoramic radiograph showed a missing mandibular right third molar. A diagnosis of severe bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion was made. Taking into account the patient’s fear of orthognathic surgery, she accepted the proposed alternative treatment using micro-implants and a self-made four-curvature torquing auxiliary. The treatment allowed for maximal en masse anterior tooth retraction, proper relocation of incisors, and alleviation of the skeletal class II pattern. Esthetically, the patient’s lip protrusion was significantly decreased as was the overjet (from 10.5 mm to 1.8 mm), and the results remained stable throughout the 2-year followup. CONCLUSION Nonsurgical treatment using micro-implants and a four-curvature torquing auxiliary may benefit severe cases of skeletal bimaxillary protrusion in adults.