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Case Reports
. 2024 Jul 21;16(7):e65063.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.65063. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Achieving Aesthetics and Function in Class III Malocclusion Through Orthodontic Camouflage: A Clinical Case Report

Rizwan Gilani  1 , Anjali Kathade  1 , Shefali Singh  1 , Aishwarya R Atey  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Achieving Aesthetics and Function in Class III Malocclusion Through Orthodontic Camouflage: A Clinical Case Report

Rizwan Gilani et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Class III malocclusion is a challenging dental and skeletal condition characterized by a protrusive mandible, retrusive maxilla, or a combination of both. Treatment options include growth modification, orthodontic camouflage, and orthognathic surgery. While surgery often provides definitive results for severe cases, orthodontic camouflage is a viable alternative for managing mild to moderate skeletal discrepancies in adults. This case report illustrates the successful use of orthodontic camouflage in a 19-year-old female with skeletal and dental class III malocclusion, emphasizing nonsurgical strategies to achieve functional and aesthetic improvements. The patient presented with concerns about her bite and facial profile. Clinical examination revealed a concave profile, prominent mandible, and class III molar and canine relationships with a negative overjet. The radiographic analysis confirmed a skeletal class III relationship (ANB angle of -2°) and normal vertical growth patterns. The chosen nonsurgical treatment plan involved fixed orthodontic appliances and class III intermaxillary elastics to correct the malocclusion and improve facial aesthetics. The treatment phases included initial alignment, class III elastic application to adjust the occlusion, and detailed finishing to refine results. After 20 months, the treatment resulted in a positive overjet, class I molar and canine relationships, and improved facial aesthetics with reduced mandibular prominence. The patient expressed satisfaction with both functional and aesthetic outcomes. This case demonstrates that orthodontic camouflage can effectively manage mild to moderate class III malocclusion in non-growing patients. Successful outcomes depend on precise treatment planning, patient compliance, and regular monitoring. While surgical options remain necessary for severe cases, orthodontic camouflage provides a less invasive alternative for suitable patients, significantly improving dental function and facial aesthetics.

Keywords: class iii malocclusion; dental alignment; facial aesthetics; intermaxillary elastics; non-surgical treatment; orthodontic camouflage.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. (A) Frontal, (B) smiling, and (C) profile pictures.
Figure 2
Figure 2. (A) Left buccal, (B) frontal, and (C) right buccal.
Figure 3
Figure 3. (A) Pretreatment OPG and (B) pretreatment lateral cephalogram.
OPG, orthopantamogram
Figure 4
Figure 4. Inter-maxillary elastic shown: (A) right buccal, (B) frontal, and (C) left buccal.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Posttreatment intraoral photographs: (A) right buccal with class I molar and canine relation; (B) frontal view with the midline coinciding and positive overjet and overbite; (C) left buccal with class I molar and canine relation.
Figure 6
Figure 6. Posttreatment photographs: (A) frontal, (B) smiling, and (c) right profile.
Figure 7
Figure 7. (A) Posttreatment OPG with fixed retainer given and (B) posttreatment lateral cephalogram with positive overjet.
OPG, orthopantamogram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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