An American Board of Orthodontics case report.

The patient's opinion of himself greatly improved following correction of a disfiguring malocclusion. He experienced a marked personality change and increased self-esteem following correction of his malocclusion. Oral hygiene was much improved when the teeth became a source of pride rather than embarrassment. The chief concern of this patient was the appearance and alignment of crooked teeth. Facial balance and esthetics were improved following placement of anterior teeth over supporting bone and reduction of the bimaxillary dental protrusion. The temporomandibular joint is asymptomatic. All retention devices have been removed and the case has remained stable. The prognosis is excellent. Literature references are normally not included in the American Board presentation. The author added the references to present readers access to the philosophic background related to clinical management of this interesting case.