Non-surgical approaches to Class III malocclusions treatment

Abstract

Orthodontic management of the Class III malocclusion has been a constant challenge to the orthodontic profession and remains a controversial issue among clinicians and researches. Some support the belief that growth and size of the craniofacial complex are genetically predetermined and cannot be changed. They assume that the great majority of Class III cases are "untreatable" and that they are due to surgical intervention after growth has been completed. Even agreeing that heredity plays a major role in this type os deviation, others support the contention that the pattern and direction of growth can be modified and that forces generated in orthodontic treatment are able to minimize and even successfully correct some Class III. The controversy is real and one question is still to be answered: How much can orthodontics really do? The literature provides enough support that appropriate interventions at the adequate time, accompanied by a family growth study may very well minimize or camouflage the Class III to acceptable and stable results without a surgical intervention. There are clinical and scientific evidences that selected procedures can change questionable prognosis.