Adaptive response of the human dental alveolar process: correction of a Class I protrusive and mutilated dentition, with 32-year follow-up.

A healthy young woman with a severe Class I dental malocclusion and extreme maxillary arch protrusion was treated with conventional edgewise-arch fixed appliance therapy. Four first premolars were removed, and the mandibular second and third molars were moved into positions normally occupied by the mandibular first and second molars. Diagnostic records at ages 17 years 5 months, 22 years 11 months, and 54 years 8 months are presented. (These pretreatment and posttreatment records were presented to the American Board of Orthodontics in 1976 in partial fulfillment of its requirements for the certification process.)