This case presents a skeletal Class II, Angle Class II division 2 malocclusion with a skeletal deep overbite. The etiology is associated with skeletal hypo-divergence, characterized by the shortened anterior lower facial height, flattened mandibular plane angle, smaller gonial angle, and more horizontal occlusal planes, along with infraocclusion of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth [1, 19].The protrusion of the maxilla and retrusion of the mandible disrupted the eruption balance of the anterior teeth, resulting in supraeruption of both upper and lower anterior segments [8]. Additionally, the inward inclination of the upper incisors likely caused a corresponding lingual inclination of the lower anterior teeth, altering their growth pattern and contributing to the formation of a deep Spee curve in the lower jaw, alongside an abnormal maxillary curve. Furthermore, the lack of coordination in the width of the upper and lower dental arches, coupled with a posterior scissor bite, led to inadequate support for the height of the posterior teeth and alveolar bone, exacerbating in excessive development of the anterior teeth and alveolar height due to the counterclockwise rotation of the lower jaw [8].
The deep bite position restricted the mandibula’s forward and lateral movements, which eventually caused the temporomandibular joint to shift backward, reducing the joint's posterior space [1, 3, 11, 15]. Over time, the patient adapted to this jaw position, displaying no obvious joint symptoms during clinical examination. However, the prolonged deep bite and the forced posterior positioning of the lower jaw resulted in unusual bite trauma on the labial side of the lower anterior teeth, leading to alveolar bone defects [7, 19]. It is theorized that the degree of these defects closely correlates with the severity of the deep overbite, the extent of inward inclination, and the duration of the condition.
In addressing this case, it was essential to craft a treatment plan that carefully considered various factors, including the malocclusion, periodontal health, alveolar bone condition, joint positioning, patient preferences, and long-term stability [8]. The objectives included uprighting the lower posterior teeth, coordinating the width of the upper and lower molars, and establishing a functional occlusal relationship among the posterior teeth [7, 20]. Additionally, the aim was to procline the upper and lower anterior teeth, creating a harmonized occlusal plane to enhance facial aesthetics from both frontal and profile perspectives [1, 2, 21]. Centralizing the roots of the front teeth within the alveolar bone and ensuring proper contact between the upper and lower anterior teeth were critical for achieving functional balance and long-term stability [7, 8]. However, considering skeletal factors, the thin labial and lingual bone plates of the anterior teeth, and poor periodontal conditions, a cautious approach was necessary to avoid excessive lingual inclination and proclination, emphasizing the importance of moderation.
The presence of periodontal issues significantly complicated orthodontic treatment. The extensive alveolar bone defects in the lower anterior teeth added challenged the treatment strategy. Considering this compromised periodontal condition, it was crucial to avoid reciprocal movement. The complete dentistry emphasizes the preservation of teeth whenever possible, aiming for enhanced oral health, function, and aesthetics through minimal intervention [22]. Thus, to meet these objectives and to limit movement in the lower anterior teeth, Tooth 32, which exhibited significant mobility and severe alveolar bone defects, was extracted. Reducing the crown length of the lower front teeth for balancing the crown-root ratio is key for maintaining periodontal bone health. This adjustment lowers the risks associated with tooth movement, lessens orthodontic challenges, and boosts the periodontal outlook. For individuals presenting with alveolar bone loss and deep overbite in the anterior teeth, this approach stands a favorable option [13, 23].
From the initial gathering of medical history, radiographic examinations, and clinical assessment of jaw relations, no apparent signs of joint discomfort were noted in the patient. While CBCT revealed a reduction in the right condylar posterior space, the condyle’s anterior slope aligned with the posterior slope of the joint fossa, positioned at the uppermost area within the fossa. Additionally, despite indications of limited during protrusive and lateral excursion, palpation of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint showed no anomalies. According to Dawson's theory, we consider the initial jaw position to be in the adaptative centric position, serving as the RP for treatment [17].
The step-by-step planning of the treatment process was essential, emphasizing gradual progression and avoiding haste.
The treatment approach for addressing the deep overbite primarily concentrated on intruding the upper anterior teeth while considering tooth alignment, anterior teeth’s function, and lip-tooth relationships [12]. This process was divided into phases, starting with the distal movement and intrusion of the upper canines to create space for aligning and leveling the upper anterior teeth. Simultaneously, carefully management was employed for the controlled intrusion and labial tipping of the upper incisors. Due to the thin labial alveolar bone, traditional segmental intrusive arch mechanics were preferred over mini-screws for controlled incisor intrusion. Orthodontic expert Burstone’s recommendations suggested that this method, with careful force management, could achieve true incisor intrusion [13, 21]. The incorporation of small loops design in medio of upper first molars aimed to regulate appropriate intrusive forces. Segmental intrusive arch mechanics induced labial tipping of the upper incisors and extrusion of the posterior teeth, suiting Class II Division 2 deep overbite cases [24]. The labially applied intrusive forces gradually tip the crowns labially and the roots lingually, aligning the anterior teeth’s axis with the alveolar bone direction and reducing the risk of root resorption [13, 21]. During the initial stages of incisor intrusion, single-point contacts was employed to avoid substantial torque from the square archwires on the already lingually tipped upper incisors, which could pose challenges to periodontal health, root integrity, and increase the risk of posterior anchorage loss [21].
The treatment strategy involved extracting the residual crown of Tooth 25, which complicated matters due to the distal inclination of Tooth 24. To address this, a Power Arm was used to extend the force arm towards the root and apply a distally directed force towards the mini-screw. Therefore, Tooth 24 underwent double-track forces where the force on the root-oriented generated a clockwise rotational moment, while the force on the crown, driven by distal movement of Tooth 23, produced counterclockwise moment around the impedance center (Refer to the schematic diagram in Fig. 3 for details). The root experienced a relatively greater displacement than the crown. Clinical observations showed that this double-track method resulted a relatively favorable outcome.
Following the installation of full-arch fixed orthodontic appliances in the upper jaw, reciprocal traction was applied to upright the lower posterior teeth. This rectified width discrepancy established the occlusal relationship on that side, and created room for extruding the posterior teeth on the right side. Extrusion of both sides of the posterior teeth proved advantageous in correcting the deep overbite in the anterior teeth.
Following the removal of Tooth 32, braces weren’t immediately installed on the lower anterior teeth. This allowed natural drifting due to the available ample space and utilized the extraction space to refine the lower dental arch and reposition the canines. Further steps involved interproximal enamel reduction on lower premolars and canines to address the Bolton index discrepancy resulting from the asymmetry extraction, aiming to minimize reciprocal movement of the lower front teeth.
Recognizing the impact of occlusion contact patterns and dynamic tooth relationships on the masticatory system’s stability, Okeson’s recommended bilateral manual manipulation technique was consistently employed throughout the orthodontic process to monitor the jaw position and ensure its stability [14]. This vigilance was particularly critical during the vertical alignment of the lower left posterior teeth and the retraction of the upper anterior teeth, for these procedures might trigger occlusal interferences leading mandibula’s lateral shifts or further retraction [25]. Additionally, regularly monitoring of the alveolar bone condition of the upper anterior teeth using CBCT scans was conducted. Adjustment of movement of both anterior and posterior teeth was undertaken as needed, prioritizing the centralization of the roots of the anterior teeth within the alveolar bone to improve their inclination without applying excessive retraction force. The objective was to eliminate any posterior interferences during protrusive and lateral excursions while ensuring harmonious canine guidance. This was essential for maintaining the patient's jaw position and preserving their periodontal health [7, 17].
Regarding treatment outcomes, significant improvements in facial aesthetics and dental occlusion were observed in both the front and posterior teeth, along with notable enhancements in the stability of the lower front teeth. The reduction in tooth mobility is likely attributed to the centralization of the roots within the alveolar bone, with increased interdental alveolar bone between the roots enhancing stability. Considering the insufficient alveolar bone during tooth movement, PAOO (Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics) can be performed, and in cases of gingival recession, soft tissue augmentation procedures such as root coverage may be necessary [26]。However, the patient’s preferences must be taken into account. Fortunately, the treatment outcome was satisfactory, and periodontal condition have improved. Although the two-year post-treatment CBCT showed minor cortical bone regeneration in the upper anterior region, and the roots of both upper and lower anterior teeth remained centralized within the alveolar bone, contributing to tooth stability, argumentation surgery is still recommended for long-term stability. Proper periodontal care forms the foundation for orthodontic treatment in patients with compromised periodontal conditions, which in turn positively influences periodontal tissue health [27]. Looking ahead, advancements in oral materials and clinical techniques offer hope for improved bone regeneration materials and methods, promising better prospects for patients with labial and buccal bone defects.
Despite not achieving an ideal facial profile and tooth inclination, this case yielded favorable results considering its complexity and treatment difficulty, attributed to thorough diagnosis and a well-structured treatment plan.