TREATMENT OF CLASS III MALOCCLUSION IN TWO PHASES. FUNCTIONAL ORTHOPEDICS AND FIXED APPLIANCES: A VALID OPTION

Abstract

The treatment of Class III malocclusions has always represented a challenge for clinicians. This case report presents a patient treated in two stages, initially using functional jaw orthopedics and subsequently fixed orthodontic appliances. The outcomes are described in terms of dental occlusion and soft tissues, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic approach. We believe that this approach, when the case is properly selected, allows improvement of the patient’s growth pattern, providing a scenario with greater potential for stability of the correction, as well as a more functional and esthetic dental occlusion. Improvement in the soft tissue profile also contributes to emotional well-being in adolescent patients, as observed in the present case.