Two-phase orthodontic treatment of a complex malocclusion: giving up efficiency in favor of effectiveness, quality of life, and functional rehabilitation?

The interceptive orthodontic treatment of patients with complex dentofacial abnormalities is frequently inefficient and produces less than ideal outcomes. Therefore, postponing therapy to a single-phase surgical-orthodontic approach might be considered a reasonable option. However, other relevant aspects of the patient's quality of life, such as possible psychosocial problems and functional impairments, should also be considered before deciding whether to intercept a severe dentofacial malocclusion while the patient is still growing, or wait and treat later. This case report describes the nonsurgical treatment of a young patient with a severe Class III open-bite malocclusion associated with a cervical cystic lymphangioma. Despite the poor interceptive therapy prognosis, a 2-phase approach was effective. A reflection about giving up efficiency in favor of effectiveness, functional rehabilitation, and the patient's quality of life is included.