Using Clear Aligners to Treat a Surgical Class III Malocclusion: Case Report

This case report describes the treatment of a 37-year-old male who presented in an orthodontic clinic with a protruded lower jaw and difficulty chewing with his front teeth. The case was treated by a clear aligner with an arch bar and orthognathic surgery. Also, this report describes alternative methods to facilitate maxillomandibular repositioning and stabilization.

The treatment plan includes (1) presurgical alignment and leveling of the teeth by clear aligners (Eon), (2) insertion of the arch bar, (3) mandibular setback surgery, (4) postsurgical fixation using elastics and removal of the arch bar, (5) re-evaluating the need for refinements or reusing the previous aligners, and (6) retention by using an upper Essix retainer and a lower fixed retainer from the canine to canine overlay by Essix retainer. The patient allowed personal data processing and informed consent was obtained. The informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Correction of skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion was obtained (Class I canine in both sides). Midlines were corrected with positive overjet, and overbite and patient's profile and facial balance were improved.

This treatment approach successfully met the patient's demands and resulted in high levels of satisfaction with the treatment outcomes.