Class III malocclusion camouflage treatment in adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of camouflage treatment of Class III malocclusion in adults. Methods: An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Lilacs, and Cochrane databases, without limitations regarding publication year or language. Studies evaluating nongrowing individuals with Class III malocclusion undergoing orthodontic camouflage treatment with any orthodontic technique, including extraction and non-extraction approaches, were considered. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to a modified Downs and Black checklist were performed by two independent reviewers. A third evaluator was included if disagreements emerged. Results: Nine studies were included in the review. Eight presented high risk of bias. Different methods for Class III malocclusion correction were described and included maxillary and mandibular premolar extractions, mandibular incisor extraction, Class III elastics and distalization of the mandibular dentition. Extractions in the mandibular arch resulted in lingual tipping and retrusion of the mandibular incisors, and labial tipping and protrusion of the maxillary incisors. The use of Class III intermaxillary elastics promoted proclination of the maxillary incisors, extrusion of the maxillary molars, distal tipping of the mandibular molars, extrusion of the mandibular incisors, and clockwise rotation of the mandible. Distalization of the mandibular dentition resulted in distal tipping of the mandibular molars, retroclination and retraction of the mandibular incisors, and counter clockwise rotation of the mandible. Conclusions: Treatment changes are influenced by the method used to correct the Class III malocclusion and are primarily dentoalveolar