Great question. For those unfamiliar with what exactly Class II, Div. II malocclusion means: this is when the upper anterior teeth are tilted back towards the mouth causing the lower jaw to be trapped in a retruded position. A large percentage of patients suffering this type of malocclusion also suffer adverse medical conditions like TMJ Dysfunction and sleep breathing disorders; therefore, correcting the malocclusion is necessary for both aesthetic and medical reasons.There are basically two ways this malocclusion is typically corrected. The first way is to extract upper first bicuspids, torque upper anterior teeth outward to their ideal position and retract these teeth to close the extraction spaces and correct the overjet created by torquing the anterior teeth. This is antiquated orthodontics and definitely NOT the best way to correct your malocclusion. Your teeth will look better but your face will look worse and your TMJ and airways will still be compromised.A far superior way to correct your malocclusion is to first make certain that your dental arches are the appropriate size and shape. If they are not, then they need to be developed. Then the upper anterior teeth need to be torqued into their ideal position. This torquing of the teeth will create an overjet because your lower jaw is still in a retruded position. The overjet/retruded lower jaw is corrected by bringing the lower jaw forward. This can be done either surgically or by using a simple appliance. After the upper and lower jaws are in their ideal position relative to each other then the teeth can be straightened using conventional orthodontics. While this better treatment certainly requires more time the results are FAR superior to extraction treatment. Your facial profile will be greatly enhanced, your nose will be in better proportion, you will have fuller lips, a broader smile, and a healthier TMJ and airway.Good luck!
