Camouflage Treatment of a Skeletal Class III Adult Patient with Transverse Discrepancy Using a Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Abstract

In the Class III camouflage treatment approach, the transverse discrepancy and sagittal discrepancy should be considered. To solve these problems, tooth-anchored expanders and intermaxillary Class III elastics have been conventionally used, but they have several disadvantages. To overcome these disadvantages, the uses of skeletal anchorages for rapid maxillary expansion and total arch distalization have been reported. This case report presents the successful use of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) and mandibular total distalization in a patient with a skeletal Class III malocclusion and transverse discrepancy. A microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expander was used to correct the transverse discrepancy, and a mandibular total distalization was conducted to achieve proper overjet and to improve the lip profile. As a result, a Class I occlusion with a favorable esthetic profile was achieved with no adverse effects. Therefore, microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expander and mandibular total distalization can be considered as an effective camouflage treatment for skeletal Class III malocclusion. (Clin J Korean Assoc Orthod 2019;9(2):106-116)