Full-Cycle Treatment Of Skeletal Class-Iii-Malocclusion: A Case

Skeletal Class III malocclusion in early childhood poses challenges due to its high relapse risk. Addressing both skeletal discrepancies and tongue dysfunction is critical for achieving long-term stability. This report presents a full-cycle treatment approach integrating a tongue habit breaker and orthopedic therapy. A 5-year-old male patient presented with an anterior crossbite, skeletal Class III malocclusion, and a swallowing disorder. Treatment involved a protraction facemask (Delaire type) and an occlusal pad with a tongue crib to correct skeletal discrepancies. To address tongue dysfunction, a tongue lifter, and tongue spurs were continuously used throughout craniofacial growth. At 14 years old, the patient exhibited normal swallowing, an Angle Class I occlusion, and a transition from a skeletal Class III to a skeletal Class I profile with an improved soft tissue profile. This case highlights the importance of full-cycle management using a tongue habit breaker. Unlike conventional Class III treatments, which focus primarily on skeletal correction, this approach integrates long-term tongue function control, reducing the risk of relapse. A comparative case with untreated tongue dysfunction further supports the necessity of tongue habit management. Full-cycle intervention using a tongue habit breaker can optimize craniofacial growth, stabilize occlusal outcomes, and prevent relapse in skeletal Class III malocclusion. This approach provides a clinically significant strategy for achieving long-term treatment stability.