Success Orthodontics Case Study: Open Bite & Class III Correction
In this case study, Success Orthodontics highlights a patient who needed additional space for a dental implant and presented with several complex orthodontic concerns, including an anterior open bite and tongue thrust. See how a personalized treatment plan using Pitts 21 braces and specialized orthodontic techniques addressed these challenges over 14 months, with a focus on both function and smile design.
JM’s Story
Patient JM first visited Success Orthodontics in July of 2021, seeking treatment to create enough space for a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
“I need an implant and there is not enough space.”
Diagnostic Summary
- Mild Class III skeletal and dental relationship
- Anterior open bite
- Upper midline diastema
- Insufficient space for implant placement (#14)
- Reduced incisal display with reverse smile arc
- Impacted third molars
- Tongue thrust habit
JM’s smile before treatment at Success Orthodontics
Treatment Goals
- Create adequate space for implant placement at site #14
- Close anterior open bite and establish functional occlusion
- Improve smile arc and increase incisal display
- Correct vertical dimension and bite relationship
- Enhance overall smile aesthetics
Treatment Options Considered
Both surgical and non-surgical approaches were evaluated due to the open bite and Class III relationship. Surgical correction could have addressed skeletal discrepancies more directly, but given the patient’s presentation and desire to avoid surgery, a non-surgical orthodontic approach was selected.
Extraction versus non-extraction strategies were also considered. Ultimately, a non-extraction plan allowed for space development for the implant while improving occlusion and aesthetics. The chosen approach prioritized vertical control and functional correction while achieving implant readiness.
Treatment Progress
- Month 0: Brackets placed with high positioning (SAP++), bite turbos and tongue tamers delivered.
- Month 4–6: Active alignment and leveling with elastic wear initiated to correct bite relationship and begin vertical correction.
- Month 8–10: Continued space development for implant site with refinement of incisor position and smile arc.
- Month 12–14: Final detailing, occlusion refinement, and preparation for debond and restorative phase.
- Completion: Appliances removed, retention initiated, and patient referred for implant placement.
Treatment Records
Initial
Progress
Final
Clinical Notes
This case highlights the effectiveness of non-surgical orthodontic treatment in managing a mild Class III open bite with functional and aesthetic concerns. Careful vertical control and high bracket positioning played a critical role in improving incisal display and correcting the reverse smile arc.
Dr. Felix Gen utilized the Smile Arc Protection protocol alongside posterior disclusion through bite turbos to enable controlled vertical changes without undesirable side effects. Addressing the tongue thrust habit with tongue tamers was essential in stabilizing the correction and preventing relapse.
Class III and anterior “rainbow” elastics were instrumental in refining occlusion and achieving both functional and aesthetic improvements. Treatment was completed in approximately 14 months, resulting in a stable bite, improved smile aesthetics, and successful preparation for implant placement under the care of Dr. Gen.
See What’s Possible for Your Smile
If you’ve been told your bite is too complex to correct without surgery, or you’re unsure how orthodontics can support restorative work like implants, this case shows what’s possible with the right plan.
Dr. Felix Gen and the team at Success Orthodontics take a non-surgical, patient-first approach to even complex cases. The first step is a free consultation to understand what’s possible for your smile.