Abstract
Background/purpose: Class III malocclusion with anterior crossbite in primary dentition may progress and complicate future orthodontic treatment. This short communication presents preliminary clinical observations of very early interception using a prefabricated functional education appliance.
Materials and methods: Three children aged 4 to 6 years with dental, functional, or mild skeletal class III malocclusion were treated using a prefabricated removable functional education appliance worn at night, with regular follow-up.
Results: In the dental class III case, anterior crossbite was corrected within 9 months and remained stable at the 2-year follow-up. In the functional class III case, anterior crossbite and mandibular shift were corrected within 5 months, with stable occlusal development at 18 months. In the mild skeletal class III case, negative overjet improved to positive overjet within 9 months.
Conclusion: Very early interception using this appliance may be a practical, non-invasive option for selected young children during primary dentition management
Recommended Citation
Do, Thi Ngoc Anh; Le, Thi Huong; Lee, I-Ta; Chow, Tong-Hsien; Chiang, Pao-Chang; and Vo, Thi Thuy Tien
(2026)
"Very early interceptive management of class III malocclusion in primary dentition using a prefabricated functional education appliance: Preliminary clinical observations,"
Journal of Dental Sciences: Vol. 21:
Iss.
4, Article 58.
Available at:
https://jds.ads.org.tw/journal/vol21/iss4/58
Publication Date
2026
Received Date
June 16 2026
Accepted Date
June 29 2026
Final Revision Date
June 29 2026
