Dentoskeletal effects and facial profile changes in Class III patient treated with protraction facemask appliance: a case report

IntroductionTreatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion with an anterior crossbite is challenging due to unpredictable results and potentially unfavorable growth. Growth modification in growing patients is an alternative approach to orthognathic surgical correction.ObjectiveCase report of a patient with Class III malocclusion and anterior crossbite was treated with maxillary protraction facemask to illustrate that treatment has to be started during growth period and patient compliance is a determining factor.Treatment procedureTreatment of anterior crossbite was completed in two phases. The first phase was to correct the skeletal discrepancy with rapid palatal expansion, miniscrews and protraction facemask. The second phase was to correct the dental alignment with fixed orthodontic appliance.ConclusionsProtraction facemask therapy started at growing age with good patient compliance is a good approach in treating anterior crossbite relating to skeletal problems in the mixed dentition period.