Early treatment of pseudo class III malocclusion: A 10-year follow-up study

Abstract

AIM: Pseudo Class III malocclusion subjects have anterior crossbite, and are defined as a functional forward displacement of the mandible due to retroclined maxillary incisors. About 5 per cent of the Chinese population is affected by a Class III malocclusion, and more than half are pseudo-Class III. Early treatment of pseudo Class III malocclusions has a number of advantages: it facilitates the eruption of canines and premolars into a Class I occlusion; it eliminates traumatic occlusion to the incisors; provides a normal environment for growth of the maxilla; and often improves the child’s self esteem. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome of simple fixed appliance treatment of a pseudo Class III malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Lateral cephalograms of 27 consecutive young patients obtained before and after active treatment with a 2 × 4 appliance, and at the 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: Eighteen patients successfully recalled for the 10-year follow-up had an average pre-treatment overjet of –1.7 mm. Immediately following treatment the average overjet was 3.2 mm, which reduced to 2.2 mm at the 10-year follow-up. Only one patient presented with a reverse overjet. CONCLUSION: The majority of pseudo-Class III patients who receive early intervention with a 2 × 4 appliance, will be stable in the long term and will not need further orthodontic treatment. It is recommended though that treatment of an anterior crossbite at an early age should be approached cautiously