Correction of collapsed occlusion with degenerative joint disease focused on the mandibular arch and timely relocation of a miniplate

This report describes a novel concept of 3-dimensional tooth movement by using biocreative therapy to provide unrestricted distal movement of the full mandibular dentition. The patient was a 26-year-old Korean woman with multiple problems, including a collapsed occlusion, a full-step Class III relationship with posterior open bite, a crossbite, temporomandibular joint pain, and a tendency for root resorption. Two orthodontic miniplates with tubes were initially placed on both retromolar pads for distalization; 1 miniplate was relocated to the anterior region for angulation and vertical control of the anterior teeth. The total treatment period was 13 months. The occlusion was finished in Class I molar and canine relationships with optimal overjet and overbite. Posttreatment records 2.5 years later showed a stable treatment outcome. The results suggest that an orthodontic miniplate is an efficient tool for the treatment of a collapsed occlusion by changing the affected arch only.