Management of Class III Malocclusion

Class III malocclusion is characterized by a mesial relationship of the mandibular arch to the maxillary arch and may arise due to maxillary deficiency, mandibular prognathism, or a combination of both. It can be classified as skeletal, dental, or functional (pseudo-Class III). Clinical features often include anterior crossbite, concave facial profile, and reverse overjet. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, evaluation of centric relation-centric occlusion discrepancy, and cephalometric analysis using parameters such as ANB angle, SNA, SNB, and Wits appraisal. Early intervention is crucial, especially in growing patients with maxillary deficiency, where facemask therapy combined with rapid maxillary expansion can stimulate forward maxillary growth. Mild cases in adolescents and adults may be managed by orthodontic camouflage using Class III elastics and selective extractions, while severe skeletal discrepancies often require combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment.