Effects of correction of mild class III malocclusion with lower second molar extraction

Objective To evaluate the dento-skeletal and profile changes in adult patients with Class Ⅲ malocclusion after camouflage orthodontic treatment with lower second molar extractions. Methods Six adult patients with Class Ⅲ malocculsion( 4 males,2 females,18. 4 ~ 24. 5 years old) were included in the study. They were treated by SWA after extraction of lower second molars and good occlusion relationship including third molars was established in all patients. Lateral cephalometric films taken at the beginning and at the end of treatment were analyzed using cephalometric analysis. Results After treatment,the profiles of all the patients were improved. The mean changes were as below: H angle was increased 2. 8°; UM-PP was increased 1. 47 mm and LM-MP was decreased 1. 11 mm,SN-OP angle was decreased 1. 5°,and the lower first molars was moved 2. 87 mm posteriorly. The upper incisors were labially inclined 3 ~ 11. 4°, but the lower incisors were lingually moved 6 ~ 9. 5 °. The cross bite of anterior teeth was corrected,and the normal occlusion relationship was established in every patient. There was no significant change about SN-MP and the face height. Conclusions A good result could be achieved in adult patients with mild Class Ⅲ malocclusion after orthodontic treatment with lower second molar extractions.