Orthodontic camouflage for skeletal class III patients with anterior and posterior crossbite using miniscrews and intermaxillary elastics: A case report

Abstract

Correcting skeletal Class III malocclusion in adults can be challenging and may require either orthognathic surgery or orthodontic camouflage, depending on a malocclusion’s severity. This case report describes the successful use of mini-screws to distalize the mandibular whole arch in a female patient aged 18 undergoing non-extraction camouflage therapy for skeletal Class III malocclusion. The patient presented with anterior and posterior crossbites, crowding in both upper and lower arches, and the concave profile. After third molar extractions, followed by initial alignment and leveling, two buccal shelf mini-screws and Class III elastics were utilized to first distalize the mandibular molars using a segmented arch wire and subsequently retract the entire mandibular dentition with a continuous arch wire. Treatment resulted in a canine and Class I molar related normally overbite and overjet after 21 months. The treatment outcomes were highly beneficial, leading to stable functional occlusion and improved facial aesthetics. This report also provides a critical evaluation of alternative non-surgical treatments available for patients, who decline orthognathic surgery, emphasizing their benefits, limitations, and long-term stability.