Nonsurgical treatment of a Class III patient with a lateral open-bite malocclusion

A 15.3-year-old white girl with a skeletal Class III malocclusion and a severe lateral open bite was treated with conventional orthodontics and directional force mechanics and elastics. She had 5 congenitally missing premolars. The maxillary right canine was ectopically erupted and in contact with the maxillary right first molar. An Angle Class I molar relationship was achieved with canine protected occlusion and incisal guidance. A wrap-around retainer was placed on the maxillary arch and a lingual bonded retainer on the mandibular arch. Treatment time was 38 months. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2011;140:861-8)