Orthodontic-surgical protocol in the treatment of class III dental -facial deformities - report of a clinical case

The authors describe the protocol used in the Orthodontics Service of the Medicine Faculty of the University of Coimbra, to prepare patients submitted to orthodontic-surgical-orthognathic treatment. A clinical case of a 21-year-old female patient, presenting a class III dental-skeletal dysmorphism, who was submitted to a bimaxillary surgery is presented. To normalize dental-skeletal structures, and assure the correct positioning of the cutaneous envelope, an orthodontic-surgical protocol is used. This includes three phases: diagnostics and treatment plan, comprehensive orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery, and retention. This method allows optimizing the surgeon's movements, increasing post-surgery stability. (C) 2012 Sociedade Portuguesa de Estomatologia e Medicina Dentaria. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.