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Aim: To evaluate the Bolton ratios in Brazilians with natural, normal occlusions., Methods: Thirty-five dental casts of Brazilian Caucasians with a natural, normal occlusion from the files of the Postgraduate Program in Orthodontics of the Methodist University of São Paulo were scanned in three dimensions. On the scanned images, the greatest mesiodistal distance of each tooth from right first molar to left first molar was measured with Geomagic Studio 5 software. The Bolton ratios were then calculated., Results: The anterior ratio amounted to 78.66% (SD ± 2.72) and the total ratio to 91.58% (SD ± 2.20)., Conclusion: The anterior, but not the overall, ratio was significantly different from the ratio suggested by Bolton., (COPYRIGHT © 2009 BY QUINTESSENCE PUBLISHING CO, INC.)

Orthodontic treatment to improve not only tooth alignment but also facial esthetics is a given in modern society. This paper illustrates this assumption with a report of a patient with a Class I, maxillary retrusion, concave profile, and retrusion of the upper and lower lips. Maxillary expansion was followed by face mask therapy and orthodontic treatment, which significantly improved the soft tissue profile by projecting the upper lip., (© 2009 BY QUINTESSENCE PUBLISHING CO, INC.)

Aim: To describe the dentoskeletal changes occurring during treatment of a patient with a skeletal Class III malocclusion treated for orthodontic compensation at 10 years 4 months of age., Methods: Rapid maxillary expansion was performed with a Hyrax appliance, Petit orthopedic face mask, high-pull chin cap, and bioprogressive fixed mechanics., Results: The mechanics employed yielded downward and backward mandibular rotation (3 degrees of opening of the facial axis), advancement of the maxillary incisors, and retraction of the mandibular incisors. The result was satisfactory from both esthetic and functional standpoints, providing adequate overjet and overbite, and with stability at 5 years posttreatment., Conclusion: The option for compensatory treatment of the skeletal Class III malocclusion without extractions and without orthognathic surgery might be a good option for young patients with good compliance, convergent facial pattern (brachyfacial), and with deep bite, since such occlusal characteristics allow the downward and backward mandibular rotation that is necessary for correction of this problem.

Aim: To describe the treatment of a 7-year-old patient with a hyperdivergent (dolichofacial) pattern, Class II Division 1 malocclusion, and anterior open bite., Methods: Treatment was performed in 2 stages following the principles of the Ricketts bioprogressive technique and comprised early extraction of the maxillary permanent first molars and primary second molars., Results: The treatment plan established for correction of the initial malocclusion reached the orthodontic goals, providing optimal esthetics and normal function., Conclusion: Posterior dentoalveolar height, which is fundamental in diagnosis and treatment planning, should be investigated in cases with excessive vertical dimension. In addition, extraction of permanent or primary maxillary posterior teeth at an early age may be a good option for hyperdivergent patients with excessive posterior dentoalveolar height.