It has been reported that mandibular growth that was retarded and/or
redirected during growth modification therapy could not be maintained during the
retention period. However, research is necessary to substantiate these findings. During
the last 15 years, the authors have studied the morphology, growth, function and
treatment effects in Class III malocclusion. For patients with Class III malocclusion, the
growth of the mandible is already 3 mm larger than its Class I counterpart by 4-5 years
of age. It is also generally accepted that skeletal Class III malocclusions worsen with
age, with 3 to 4 mm (or 0.5-1.0mm/year) greater increase in mandibular length
compared to Class I mandibles in both genders, during the growth period. Facemask
therapy is currently an accepted approach to treatment of Class III malocclusion with
maxillary deficiency in young patients. On the other hand, two years of chin cup
application showed a more effective orthopedic treatment and a diminished skeletal
relapse at the post-retention period. Previous publications by the authors have compared
the growth, TMJ response and treatment strategies with reverse headgear or chin cap
compared to untreated subjects. In the current article, a systematic review was
conducted to provide an evidence-base for the following orthodontic questions: Are
there differences in mandibular growth between Class III and normal individuals? If so,
what is its magnitude and is it clinically relevant? How is mandibular growth changed
following orthopedic treatment in Class III malocclusion? Are these changes stable?
Keywords: Upper incisor lingual inclination, Moderate retrusive of the maxilla,
optimal age for treatment, Concave profile, Increased length of the mandible, Crosssectional
growth studies, Longitudinal studies of mandibular growth, Anterior cross
bite with functional shift of the mandible, Backward rotation of mandible, N-vertical
(N-A, N-B), Chin cup appliance, Reverse-pull headgear, Non-extraction treatment,
growth reduction, mandibular shape and size, Experienced orthodontist, Duration of
treatment, Patient treatment choice, Magnitude and duration of loading, Stability,
TMJ effect.
