Management of Skeletal Class III Malocclusion in an Adolescent Using Maxillary Skeletal Expander and Facemask - A Case Report

Skeletal Class III malocclusion in adolescents can be effectively managed using the combination of maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) and facemask (FM). An adolescent presented concerns about her lower front teeth positioned ahead of the upper front teeth, difficulty closing the lips, and dissatisfaction with the facial appearance. The patient exhibited a skeletal Class III profile, reverse overjet, a 2 mm overbite, concave facial profile, midface retrusion, mandibular prognathism, chin deviation to the right, and increased lower facial height (LFH). Management involved the use of MSE and protraction FM. After 11 months, maxillary skeletal expansion, midface augmentation, restriction of mandibular prognathism, and stable LFH were observed. Results remained stable at the 1-year follow-up. This approach effectively manages moderate skeletal Class III malocclusion in adolescents by promoting midface augmentation and limiting further mandibular growth, potentially eliminating the need for orthognathic surgery.