A relatively minor adult case becomes significantly complex: A lesson in humility.
A 41-year-old white woman with no particular concerns about facial esthetics was first seen with bilateral Class II molar relationship, a Class I right canine, and a Class II left canine. Overjet was 3 mm and overbite was 0.5 mm, with no incisor contact. A maxillary right premolar was missing for unknown reasons and all 4 third molars had previously been extracted. The maxillary midline was 2 mm to the right of the facial midline, and the mandibular midline was 3.5 mm to the left of the maxillary midline. There was 7 mm of crowding in the maxillary arch and 6 mm of crowding in the mandibular arch, with an increased curve of Spee. The patient had a well-positioned maxilla, a retrognathic mandible with increased convexity, a Class II denture base relationship, and a vertical facial pattern. The treatment plan consisted of extracting the maxillary left first premolar and the mandibular left central incisor. After 4 months of treatment, an open bite from second premolar to second premolar was noted. After 6 months of treatment, the patient expressed concern with her chin position and mentalis hyperactivity. It was apparent that the orthodontic treatment had resulted in molar extrusion, which the musculature was not able to withstand. Treatment continued and the case was set up for posterior maxillary impaction and mandibular advancement surgical procedures.