The treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion in adolescents is challenging.Maxillary protraction, particularly that using bone anchorage, has been proven to be an effective method for the stimulation of maxillary growth. However, the conventional procedure, which involves the surgical implantation of mini-plates, is traumatic and associated with a high risk. Three-dimensional (3D) digital technology offers the possibility of individualized treatment. Customized miniplates can be designed according to the shape of the maxillary surface and the positions of the roots on cone-beam computed tomography scans; this reduces both the surgical risk and patient trauma. Here we report a case involving a 12-year-old adolescent girl with skeletal Class III malocclusion and midface deficiency that was treated in two phases. In phase 1, rapid maxillary expansion and protraction were performed using 3D-printed mini-plates for anchorage.The mini-plates exhibited better adaptation to the bone contour, and titanium screw implantation was safer because of the customized design. The orthopedic force applied to each mini-plate was approximately 400–500 g, and the plates remained stable during the maxillary protraction process, which exhibited efficacious orthopedic effects and significantly improved the facial profile and esthetics. In phase 2, fixed appliances were used for alignment and leveling of the maxillary and mandibular dentitions. The complete two-phase treatment lasted for 24 months. After 48 months of retention, the treatment outcomes remained stable.

External apical root resorption is among the most common risks of orthodontic treatment, and it cannot be completely avoided and predicted. Risk factors causing orthodontic root resorption can generally be divided into patient- and treatment-related factors. Root resorption that occurs during orthodontic treatment is usually detected by radiographical examination. Mild or moderate root absorption usually does no obvious harm, but close attention is required. When severe root resorption occurs, it is generally recommended to suspend the treatment for 3 months for the cementum to be restored. To unify the risk factors of orthodontic root resorption and its clinical suggestions, we summarized the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of more than 20 authoritative experts in orthodontics and related fields in China. After discussion and summarization, this consensus was made to provide reference for orthodontic clinical practice.
Humans ; Tooth Movement Techniques/adverse effects* ; Root Resorption/etiology* ; Consensus ; Dental Cementum ; Risk Factors