Surgical Treatment of a Borderline Skeletal Class III Patient: an Interdisciplinary Approach

INTRODUCTION: Class III malocclusion is considered the most challenging discrepancies in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. It is often difficult to classify borderline cases as surgical or non-surgical. The following case report is of a borderline Class III case with several missing maxillary premolars treated via an interdisciplinary approach. AIM: This clinical case highlights the importance of meticulous diagnosis to obtain optimal results in borderline Class III cases. The significance of an interdisciplinary approach in complex adult orthodontic cases was also discussed. CASE REPORT: Given the complexity of the case, the treatment required a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach with the intervention of multiple specialties including periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery. The presurgical orthodontic stage was achieved in preparation for LeFort I maxillary advancement. Third molars extractions along with implant placement were implemented. Finally, crown placement and connective tissue graft were completed to achieve an optimal result. Total treatment time was 1.7 years (20 months). Patient’s profile and facial appearance were dramatically enhanced, and a stable functional Class II occlusion was attained despite the preexisting skeletal Class III. CONCLUSION: Borderline adult Class III cases require a delicate diagnostic approach to be able to distinguish a surgical from a non-surgical approach. Complex adult orthodontic cases require a diplomatic interdisciplinary approach from all required specialties in order to attain the most favorable results.