Bilateral Scissor Bite Treated by Rapid Mandibular Expansion Following Corticotomy

Scissor bite is defined as buccal displacement of the maxillary posterior teeth, with or without contact between the lingual surface of the maxillary lingual cusp and the buccal surface of the buccal cusp of its mandibular antagonist. Here we report treatment of bilateral scissor bite in the posterior region using rapid expansion following corticot-omy. The patient was a boy aged 17 years and 11 months in whom skeletal maxillary prognathism with bilateral scissor bite was diagnosed. The distance between the tips of canines and the mesial buccal cusps of the first molars was increased by use of a bonded rapid expansion appliance following corticotomy. Appropriate occlusion and lateral pro-file were obtained and maintained after retention. In addition, no gingival recession, hyperesthesia, or root surface caries occurred. These results suggest that mandibular lateral expansion following corticotomy is effective in young adult patients with a narrow mandibular arch.