The dentomaxillary complex and overjet correction in Class II, division 1 malocclusion: objectives of skeletal and...

In recent years it has become apparent that there are limitations to the amount of tooth movement that can be accomplished by alveolar remodeling. Retraction of the maxillary incisor teeth should therefore be avoided during overjet correction if penetration of the palatal alveolar cortex is a probability. Since the Class II, Division 1 phenotype is characterized by abnormalities in both dentoalveolar process and maxillomandibular reactions, trying to compensate for the skeletal discrepancy through alveolar remodeling alone does not have logic on its side. Indeed, treatment philosophies based entirely on a concept of alveolar remodeling cannot be justified on biologic grounds. The most reliable method of avoiding destruction of the palatal alveolar cortex during overjet correction is by means of headgear mechanics designed to produce clinically significant skeletal remodeling. This holds as a general principle, even where extractions are an essential part of the treatment program. Furthermore, because the facial skeleton responds to mechanical deformation more readily in the growing person, the policy adopted by many orthodontists of deferring treatment until the permanent teeth have erupted has little to recommend it.