Improved superelastic Ni–Ti alloy wire for treating skeletal class III malocclusion combined with anterior crossbite: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Correcting skeletal class III malocclusion with anterior crossbite in adolescents using only orthodontic treatment poses challenges. This report highlights a novel approach leveraging improved superelastic Ni–Ti alloy wire (ISW) to address these conditions effectively.

CASE SUMMARY

A 17-year-old male patient presented with the chief complaint of an underbite. The patient was given a diagnosis of skeletal class III malocclusion and anterior crossbite. The orthodontic treatment plan was implemented and did not require teeth extractions or orthognathic surgery. Key interventions involved the application of ISW, intermaxillary elastics, and ISW unilateral multi-bend edgewise archwire. The unique combination of these techniques enabled the correction without the need for extractions or surgery. This approach leverages the advanced biomechanical properties of ISW, including its super-elasticity and shape memory, to enhance treatment efficacy. The treatment lasted 17 months, and major improvements in overjet, overbite, and alignment were achieved. The results were favorable, and stability was discovered during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The application of ISW for treating skeletal class III malocclusion with anterior crossbite in a 17-year-old male patient resulted in exceptional outcomes. The treatment led to a marked improvement in the patient’s facial profile and to proper overjet, overbite, and midline alignment. These results were maintained over a one-year follow-up, indicating that a minimally invasive orthodontic approach can effectively address complex skeletal discrepancies in adolescent patients. This case illustrates that with the careful use of advanced orthodontic techniques, major skeletal challenges can be resolved without resorting to surgical procedures.

Keywords: Orthodontics; Skeletal class III malocclusion; Anterior crossbite; Improved superelastic Ni–Ti alloy wire; Multi-bend edgewise archwire; Intermaxillary elastics; Case report

Core Tip: Correcting skeletal class III malocclusion with anterior crossbite in adolescents can be challenging. In this case, a 17-year-old male with an underbite was successfully treated using improved superelastic Ni–Ti alloy wire (ISW), intermaxillary elastics, and ISW unilateral multi-bend edgewise archwire. These techniques corrected the anterior crossbite, aligned the midline, and achieved proper overjet and overbite. The treatment lasted approximately one year and five months, with a stable outcome observed after one year of follow-up. This case demonstrates that skeletal Class III malocclusion in adolescents can be addressed effectively with minimally invasive orthodontic methods.