Orthodontic Treatment of A 35year Old With Class III Malocclusion and A Tongue Sucking Habit: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Acase of a 35-year-old female physician who presented to the department of Child Dental Health, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with complaints that she has never been caught smiling on camera due to the arrangement of her teeth. She was observed to have Angle's class III sub-division left malocclusion on skeletal base pattern III, complicated by crossbite of all anterior teeth, a tongue sucking habit, severe spacing on both arches and a compromise of her lower anterior periodontal tissues. Baseline cephalometric values were SNA 83?, SNB 91?, ANB -8?, UIFP 136? and LIMP103?.

Methods: Acomprehensive fixed orthodontic therapy of both arches was done using preadjusted edgewise Roth's 022 slot in addition to a fixed tongue rake on the upper arch. The work up to her management involved the preventive and restorative dentists.

Results: At the end of management patient was discharged with class I molar relationship, the anterior crossbites were corrected and all the spaces were effectively closed-up. Cephalometric values at the time of debonding were SNA85?, SNB 90?, ANB -5?, UIFP126? and LIMP85.5?.

Conclusion: After 25 months of management, the patient was satisfied with the aesthetic and psychosocial outcomes of management. Retention was done with both fixed and ESSIX retainers on both arches.