Research progress on the structural features, treatments, and association with temporomandibular disorder in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion with mandibular deviation

Skeletal angle class Ⅲ malocclusion with mandibular deviation involves the rotation and translation of the cranial base, maxilla, mandible, and soft tissue. It compromises the patients' appearance and stomatognathic function. The treatment outcome is not satisfactory, and correct evaluation is of great significance. The causal relationship between skeletal Class Ⅲ with mandibular deviation and TMD remains controversial. This review focuses on the structural alterations of hard and soft tissue, the etiology, the choice of treatment methods, and the association with TMD in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion with mandibular deviation. The results show that mandibular deviation is a complex disease with unclear etiology. It involves morphological changes, rotation and displacement of the cranial base, maxilla and mandible, morphological changes of the soft tissue, and occlusal changes, which also compromise the temporomandibular joint and mandibular function. Skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion is common in patients with mandibular deviation. Early treatment is needed; however, the treatment methods vary. The correct evaluation of the morphological changes of soft and hard tissues leading to facial asymmetry is the premise of treatment. Orthodontic and orthognathic treatment (combined with soft tissue repair when necessary) is an effective method for the treatment of skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion with mandibular deviation. In addition, there is a close relationship between mandibular deviation and TMD, which needs to be fully considered in the design of treatment.