effect of inter-arch elastics in correcting asymmetrical dentition

ABSTRACT

This case report deals with the treatment of a 21 years old male patient who had grossly shifted midline. His chief complaint was the asymmetric appearance of his teeth. Skeletally he represented Class III tendency. On the right side represented Class III canine and molar relationship, on the left side Class II canine relationship. Maxillary midline was shifted 3mm to the right and mandibular midline was shifted 3mm to the left side. Our treatment goals were to correct the midline problem and to achieve ideal overbite and overjet relationship. The treatment plan was non-extraction fixed straight wire therapy. After leveling, heavy elastics were used to correct the buccal relationship and anterior midline problem. The patient was superb in cooperation and the maxillary and mandibular dentition were shifted reciprocally in opposite direction with the help of the elastics. At the end of the orthodontic treatment the facial aesthetics of the patient had improved and midlines had been corrected. Ideal overbite and overjet relationship was achieved. It was concluded that inter-arch mechanics can be used effectively in cooperative patients. In this case report the success of the treatment greatly depended on patient cooperation. The patient was pleased with the overall facial changes and occlusal function