Class III y Maxillary Construction

QUESTION:

My 8yr old was referred to an orthodontist with class III y maxillary construction. What does that mean?

ANSWER:

Usually this means the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw and the teeth of the lower jaw are out side the upper teeth. This is also known as cross bite or an under bite. In young children the upper jaw may also be constricted. The current treatment usually involves braces at an early age with an expander for the upper jaw and reverse pull head gear to manipulate the growth of the jaws into the correct position. The alternative is to wait for the face to finish growing and then correct the problem surgically. I have friends in Columbus and Cincinnati if you would like a second opinion I can forward your info to them if one of them is near you.

Hope this helps.
Nick DeTure DMD
askadentist.com