Correction of a canted occlusal plane with miniscrews in a patient with facial asymmetry

The inability of orthodontists to change the cant of the maxillary occlusal plane without surgical intervention is a limitation of orthodontic treatment. LeFort I osteotomy with asymmetric maxillary impaction is often used to correct this problem. However, canting caused by extruded teeth can be corrected easily with normal orthodontic appliances and skeletal anchorage. The correction occurs through intrusion of the extruded teeth on 1 side of the maxilla, thereby avoiding a more aggressive surgical approach. A 22-year-old Korean man with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism treated in this manner showed the possibility of correcting occlusal plane canting with miniscrews.