Rapid maxillary expansion facemask therapy in growing patients: A 2 case report and review of literature

Abstract

Class III malocclusion is progressive in nature and it worsens with age. Class III malocclusion is associated with any deviation in the sagittal relationship of the maxilla and the mandible; it is characterized by a deficient maxilla, retrognathic mandible, or a combination of both. It is very difficult to diagnose and treat Class III malocclusion. Many treatment approaches can be found in the literature regarding orthopedic and orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion, including intra- and extra-oral appliances. The early treatment of Class III malocclusions requires orthopedic intervention at the end of primary dentition or the beginning of mixed dentition, prior to growth spurt, which provides successful results, with good facial balance, modifying the maxillofacial growth and development, and prevents future surgical treatment by increasing the stability. Approximately 30%–40% of Class III patients exhibit some degree of maxillary deficiency; therefore, devices can be used for maxillary protraction for orthodontic treatment in early mixed dentition. In cases in which dental components are primarily responsible for Class III malocclusion, early therapeutic intervention is recommended. In this article, we described the treatment options for Class III malocclusion in growing patient with an emphasis on maxillary protraction.