Long-Term Stability Of Ortho-Surgical Management Of Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: A Case Series With A Five-Year Follow-Up

Diagnosing and treating Class III malocclusion is an enigma for an orthodontist, owing to complex etiology, multiple components, and varied treatment options. The most challenging part is to achieve stable treatment outcomes in such cases. This article illustrates two cases of Class III malocclusion managed with an ortho-surgical approach and followed up for 5 years. The cases were treated with single-jaw and bi-jaw surgical techniques respectively, and were assessed for various skeletal, dental and soft tissue parameters to determine treatment stability over five years. Both cases exhibited stable treatment outcomes. However, the case managed by a combination of maxillary-mandibular (bi-jaw) surgical techniques portrayed a more promising stable result. Appropriate case selection, correct diagnosis, meticulous treatment planning and flawless execution of treatment are essential for long-term success and stable treatment outcomes. Therefore, more studies with a higher level of evidence are recommended for a better understanding of the treatment response and stability, in order to improve the form, function, esthetics, and psychosocial well-being of the patient.