Early Treatment of Centric Occlusion-Maximum Intercuspation Discrepancy in Skeletal Class III Growing Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

An early treatment of anterior crossbite in young patient to eliminate any possible mandibular deviation is crucial. A presence of discrepancy between centric occlusion (CO) and maximum intercuspation (MI) from dental interference, such as anterior crossbite, can cause the mandible to deviate from its centric relation. Treatment planning based on the deviated jaw position may lead to an incorrect approach which can later cause temporomandibular problem. A delayed treatment of CO-MI discrepancy can also cause asymmetrical mandibular growth later in life. This case report shows a case of a successful treatment of Class III malocclusion beginning with the detection of CO-MI discrepancy. An 11-year old girl in mixed dentition stage, presented with a protruding chin, seeking orthodontic treatment. CO-MI discrepancy of 2 mm was detected during clinical examination. Due to an acceptable facial profile in CO, a camouflage treatment was proposed. Non-extraction conventional orthodontic treatment with multibracket system were used. After 30 months of active treatment, a normal occlusion with Class I canine and molar relationship was achieved with favorable facial profile. This case report highlights the importance of clinical examination. A thorough evaluation of the patient’s function to detect discrepancy between CO and MI is vital in developing an appropriate treatment plan.