Class III Malocclusion Flashcards
What is the definition of a class III malocclusion?
Lower incisor edge occludes anterior to the cingulum plateau of the upper central incisor
-> The overjet is reduced or reversed
What is the incidence of Class 3 in the UK?
3-5%
-> higher in Asia
What are the aetiological factors contributing to class III malocclusion?
Strong genetic link- runs in families (autosomal with unknown cause)
Environmental
-> CLP- surgery early in life restricts growth in maxilla
-> Acromegaly- excess GH from pituitary
Skeletal, dental, ST
What are the skeletal causes of Class III malocclusions?
Small maxilla
Large mandible
-> combination
What are the AP skeletal features of class III malocclusions?
Usually present with a Class 3 skeletal base relationship
-> Can present with a Class 1 and rarely a Class 2 skeletal base relationship
The greater the A-P discrepancy the more complex the malocclusion is to treat
Which vertical skeletal features make Class III malocclusions difficult to treat?
High FMPA and AOB
-> likely requires orthognathic surgery
What aspect of the transverse skeletal relationship can result in bilateral cross bites?
Retrusive maxilla (associated with AP relationship too) sits on wider part of the mandible
What are the typical dental features of class III maloculsions?
Class III incisor relationship
Class III molar relationship (not always)
Tendency to reverse overjet (can be edge to edge)
Reduced overbite, anterior open bite may be present
Crossbites- Anterior/Buccal
Tendency for displacement on closing
What are the typical features of alignment within the arches in patients with class III malocclusion?
Maxilla (often narrow and v-shaped)- crowded
Mandible- aligned or spaced
What are the results of dentoalveolar compensation in Class III patients?
Proclined upper incisors
Retroclined lower incisors
How do the ST encourage dentoaleolar compensation?
Tongue prolines upper incisors
Lower lip retroclines lower incisors
What factors make class III relationships harder to treat?
> 1-2 teeth in anterior cross bite
Skeletal cause
Greater AP discrepancies
Presence of an AOB
What are the reasons for treating Class III malocclusions?
Aesthetics- dental, profile
Dental health reasons
-> attrition
-> recession- roots can be pushed through buccal plate
-> mandibular displacement
Function- speech/mastication
What are the issues with facial growth and Class III relationships?
Tends to be unfavourable as mandibular growth continues for longer
-> Class III often gets worse
Do not do anything irreversible until growth has stopped
What can be used to predict the onset of the pubertal growth spurt reliably? (coincides with jaw growth)
Height and weight charts
What are examples of unreliable means of predicting growth and why?
Cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) on lateral ceph
-> Evaluates the shape changes in the bodies of cervical vertebrae C2, C3 and C4 (difficult to reproduce, poor reliability and validity)
Hand wrist radiographs - low reliability and risks of repeated radiography (not justified)
What are the treatment options for Class III malocclusions?
Accept/monitor
Intercept early with URA to correct incisor relationship
Growth Modification- functional appliances, head gear, TADs
Camouflage- accept skeletal, correct incisors to Class I
Combined orthognathic and Orthodontics- if functional or profile issues