MANAGEMENT OF LOWER THIRD OF THE FACE THROUGH UPPER DISTALIZATION IN PATIENT WITH CLASS II MALOCCLUSION: A CASE REPORT

I. Malagón and M. Maci

¹Private practice, Iván Malagón Clinic, C. de José Ortega y Gasset, 23, 28006 Madrid;
²Scientific director of second-level master in Orthodontics, University of Padua, Italy;
³Private practice, Paterno Gloria Maci Odontoiatri, Lecce, Italy

*Correspondence to:
Iván Malagón, DDS
Private Practice,
C. de José Ortega y Gasset 23,
28006 Madrid, Spain
e-mail: dr.ivanmalagon@gmail.com

Received: 27 April 2024 Accepted: 03 June 2024

ISSN 2975-044X (online) ISSN 2038-4106 (print) Copyright © by BIOLIFE 2024 This publication and/or article is for individual use only and may not be further reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder. Unauthorized reproduction may result in financial and other penalties. Disclosure: All authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

ABSTRACT

                This case report presents the orthodontic management of the lower face through upper distalization in a 54-year-old male patient with Class II malocclusion. Class II malocclusion, characterized by misalignment of the upper and lower dental arches, poses unique challenges in mature patients, influencing both dental aesthetics and the lower third of the face. In this case, Spark Aligners were employed over an 8-month treatment period, comprising three appointments, to achieve controlled distalization of the upper arch. The successful restoration of incisors and improvements in facial aesthetics underscore the effectiveness of this targeted intervention. The use of aligners contributed to minimal patient discomfort and facilitated a streamlined treatment process. This case highlights the efficacy of upper distalization in adult patients with Class II malocclusion and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive aesthetic outcomes and tailored orthodontic approaches. The findings contribute to the evolving landscape of orthodontic care, offering valuable insights into managing complex malocclusions in older age groups. Further research and long-term studies will enhance our understanding of the stability and broader applicability of upper distalization using the “Malagón method” in adult orthodontic patients.

KEYWORDS: orthodontics, aligners, class II malocclusion