Dalla terapia ortodontica intercettiva alla chirurgia ortognatica delle III ClassiI

OBJECTIVES. Skeletal Class III are a group of malocclusions characterized by an alteration of the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular skeletal base. In skeletal Class III the maxilla is behind the mandible which is in advanced position on the sagittal plane. The treatment op- tions are different according to the patient's age (child, adolescent, adult) and the type of malocclusion (maxillary skeletal retrusion, mandibular skeletal protrusion, mixed, skeletal asymmetry, skeletal and dental open-bite). MATERIALS AND METHODS. The different therapeutic options are discussed starting from interceptive orthodontic treat- ment and finishing with orthognatic surgery. CONCLUSIONS. The dialogue between doctor and patient is really impor- tant. It is appropriate to explain in detail the therapeutic approach required for the correction of malocclusion.