[Orthodontic-surgical treatment puts an end to temporomandibular dysfunction complaints]

Late in the last decade of the previous century, an orthodontic-surgical treatment was elected for a 31-years-old woman, who had severe malocclusion and temporomandibular complaints. The skeletal pattern (high angled mandibula) and degenerating joints were considered risk factors for relapse and condylar lysis. Nevertheless, the severity of the malocclusion justified the treatment. The goal was a stable occlusion and the creation ofa smooth articulation to eliminate dysfunction and facilitate later temporomandibular joint treatment with splints if necessary. In the 1990s this was considered state of the art treatment. Eliminating the scissors bite of 27 seemed instrumental in the elimination of the symptoms. Surgery brought the face and the occlusion further in harmony. The final occlusion features only one lower incisor.