Resumen

TEIXEIRA, Andressa Otranto de Britto; MEDEIROS, Paulo José  y  CAPELLI JUNIOR, Jonas. Orthodontic-surgical treatment in youthful patient with severe skeletal Class III malocclusion. Rev. Dent. Press Ortodon. Ortop. Facial [online]. 2007, vol.12, n.5, pp. 55-62. ISSN 1415-5419.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-54192007000500008.

INTRODUCTION: Class III malocclusion is characterized by an anterior-posterior skeletal discrepancy that may or may not be combined with vertical alterations, but it commonly presents transverse disharmony associated. The facial aspect is affected in these patients, which is one of the factors that motivate them to look for orthodontic treatment. For young patients (8 to 10 years old), an earlier treatment is indicated. In adult patients, when growth has already finished, the options of treatment usually are orthodontic camouflage or ortho/surgery traditional treatment. The question is how to treat adolescents patients with severe skeletal Class III discrepancies, when an interceptative procedure has no indication and facial modifications are very significant. They are still growing and there is, in some cases, psicosocial and functional implications. OBJECTIVE: To consider an early surgical approach as alternative treatment for these patients; even if a second surgery is needed when growth is completed. Discussion: To indicate this therapy, some factors should be observed: small dentoalveolar discrepancies and rapid pre-surgical preparation. CONCLUSION: The patient must be informed of the possibility of another surgery at the end of the growth. This strategy of treatment should not be used as routine.

Palabras llave : Class III malocclusion; Orthodontic; Early orthognathic surgery.