Class Iii Malocclusion: a Personal Perspective

The aetiology and treatmont of Class III malocclusion characterised by lingual occlusion of the maxillary incisors are discussed in relation to patients in the West of Scotland. Mandibular size and position are identlfied as being the principal skeletal causes of an adverse relationship. Treatment rationale is relatsd to the severity of the condition, but early diagnosis is important as the treatment may be considerably simplified. A range of appliances can be employed from upper removable, to quadhelix, to FRIll, to full upper and lower fixed appliances, depending upon the severity and the presenting features. As a "rule of thumb" -4 degrees ANB can be considered as the borderline between a purely orthodontic and a combined surgical approach.