Non-Extraction Treatment for a Retruded Chin at a Daechi-dong Orthodontic Clinic

Non-Extraction Treatment for a Retruded Chin | 연세정원치과

Hello. I am Dr. Yoon Jeong-won, the director of 연세정원치과, located in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu. Today, I would like to introduce non-extraction orthodontic treatment for a patient with a slight tendency toward a retruded chin (Class II malocclusion).

> We were told that if growth-modification treatment was not performed at another dental clinic, > > extraction orthodontic treatment would be necessary.

When the patient, a 13-year-old girl, first visited us, her guardian had already consulted another dental clinic. They had been told that if growth-modification treatment was not started at that time, orthodontic treatment with extractions might be necessary later. They visited us to ask whether non-extraction treatment was possible.

Initial photographs from August 2024, dental clinic in Daechi-dong

Initial lateral cephalometric radiograph, 연세정원치과

Upon examination, the patient's teeth were relatively well aligned, but she had a Class II malocclusion in which the upper teeth were positioned forward, along with a deep overbite. In such cases, growth-modification treatment using functional appliances such as a Class II activator, bionator, or headgear may be considered during the growth period to encourage mandibular growth. However, the timing of growth-modification treatment is very important.

Evaluation with a hand-wrist radiograph

To assess the potential effects of growth-modification treatment, a hand-wrist radiograph was taken. The results showed that the patient was at SMI stages 8–9, meaning that the “peak growth spurt of puberty” had already passed and the growth rate was beginning to slow.

Initial hand-wrist radiograph, orthodontic clinic in Daechi-dong

Children and adolescents grow rapidly in height during the “peak growth spurt of puberty.” The physical changes during this period also have a significant impact on the growth of the facial bones and dentition. Therefore, this peak growth period is very important in orthodontic treatment for children. Providing appropriate treatment at the appropriate time can help prevent worsening of appearance and make orthodontic treatment easier once growth is complete.

For treatment of a retruded chin, coordinating treatment with the peak growth spurt of puberty makes it possible to use the rapid growth during this period to improve the retruded chin more effectively. If growth-modification treatment is started too early, before the peak growth spurt, its effects may be slower and treatment may need to continue for a longer period. Conversely, if growth-modification treatment is performed after the peak growth spurt has already passed, there is a high possibility that little effect will be seen even if the child wears the appliance as instructed.

The examination results indicated that this patient had already passed her peak growth spurt and had limited remaining growth potential. In other words, even if a growth-modification appliance such as an activator had been used at that point, the skeletal changes that could reasonably be expected would have been limited. Rather than proceeding with treatment based solely on the term “growth modification,” it is important to objectively evaluate the amount of growth remaining and the actual potential effect.

Treatment plan: Non-extraction orthodontic treatment through distal movement of the maxillary dentition

In this case, it was determined that space could be created without extractions. Therefore, instead of growth-modification treatment, a non-extraction orthodontic treatment plan was established to improve the bite by moving the maxillary dentition backward. In general, this type of treatment often involves placing a miniscrew (TAD) in the upper jaw to move the teeth backward efficiently. We initially recommended treatment using screws, but the patient was very afraid of screw placement, and her guardian also requested that treatment be performed without screws if possible.

Class II interarch elastics

After fully taking the patient’s and guardian’s preferences into account, we decided to proceed without screws. Instead, Class II elastics were used actively to guide the upper teeth backward and the lower teeth forward. Of course, patient cooperation is even more important than when screws are used. Fortunately, the patient wore the elastics very diligently, and treatment progressed smoothly.

Treatment progress

Seven months after the start of treatment, 연세정원치과

One year and four months after the start of treatment, 연세정원치과

Treatment completed after 1 year and 6 months

After approximately 1 year and 6 months of treatment, orthodontic treatment was completed. The bite between the upper and lower teeth was stabilized, the prominence of the upper lip was improved, and the side profile appeared more balanced. Most importantly, treatment was completed without extractions, which had been the guardian’s concern, and the patient was also very satisfied that treatment was completed without screw placement.

Treatment completed in February 2026, 연세정원치과

Comparison of the mandibular position before and after treatment

In growth-modification treatment, “growth timing” is more important than “age.”

Even at the same age, growth rate and maturity can vary considerably. Therefore, when deciding whether growth-modification treatment is appropriate, it is important not to consider age alone, but to accurately assess current growth potential through a hand-wrist radiograph or other growth evaluation. In addition, difficulty with growth-modification treatment does not necessarily mean that extraction orthodontic treatment is required. By considering the patient’s skeletal structure, dental alignment, and cooperation together, good results may be achieved with non-extraction orthodontic treatment, as in this case. Because the orthodontic approach differs from patient to patient, the most suitable treatment plan should be established after an accurate diagnosis.

연세정원치과 in Daechi-dong

If you are choosing a dental clinic for orthodontic treatment, we recommend having treatment performed by a dentist with extensive experience.

Dr. Yoon Jeong-won, director of 연세정원치과, has dedicated more than 16 years to orthodontic care and has treated more than 6,000 diverse orthodontic cases. She holds a Doctor of Dental Science degree in orthodontics from Yonsei University College of Dentistry and Dental Hospital and also serves as an adjunct professor. As the clinic director, she is always present at the clinic, and there is no change in the treating doctor during the course of treatment, allowing patients to receive care with peace of mind. The clinic also offers the advantages of flexible appointments and better response to emergencies.

With extensive orthodontic experience, she has also treated many difficult cases that had been diagnosed at other dental clinics as requiring jaw surgery for a prognathic jaw, but that were treatable with nonsurgical orthodontics. Patients seeking orthodontic treatment can therefore receive appropriate care for a wide range of conditions.

Non-extraction treatment for a retruded chin — 연세정원치과

In addition, Dr. Ahn Ji-ho, a specialist in prosthodontics who is responsible for general dental care, is also available. This means that patients do not need to visit another dental clinic for dental procedures that may be needed during orthodontic treatment, such as extractions or cavity treatment; all treatment can be provided at 연세정원치과. Accordingly, everything needed for orthodontic treatment can be handled in one location, with comprehensive dental care provided.

The clinic also has a systematic seven-step diagnostic system using the latest equipment, including panoramic X-rays, low-radiation 3D CBCT, iTero Lumina 3D intraoral scanning, before-and-after simulations through Morpheus 3D imaging, and VUNO Med®-BoneAge™ for growth-plate assessment to determine the timing of orthodontic treatment based on each child’s remaining growth.

Furthermore, 연세정원치과 sterilizes the instruments used during treatment and uses sterile treatment water through the Novacare system, so patients do not need to worry about the water used during care. The clinic maintains comfortable indoor air through an efficient air-circulation system using a total heat exchanger and a safe air-purification system using dual filters—a HEPA filter and a pre-filter.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, please do not postpone it any longer. Contact 연세정원치과 for a comfortable consultation, and we will provide detailed information. The orthodontic treatment fees at 연세정원치과 include the cost of a detailed diagnosis and monthly fees, excluding retainers, so you do not need to worry about additional costs. In addition, because general dental care is available at the same clinic, all treatment needed during orthodontic care, including extractions and cavity treatment, can be performed in one place. An installment payment system is also available to reduce the burden of paying a large amount at once.

When you visit 연세정원치과, a specialized orthodontic clinic in Daechi-dong, you can accurately assess your current condition through a simple oral examination at no additional cost. You can also receive explanations about various orthodontic appliances during your consultation, so please feel free to contact us.

During the consultation, you can compare various appliances, including Clarity, Clippy C, and Invisalign, in person and receive a detailed explanation of their advantages and disadvantages. We encourage you to call or visit us for a consultation without hesitation.

연세정원치과 is conveniently located near Samseong Station, Hakyeoul Station, Daechi Station, and Hanti Station, making it easy to visit from Samseong-dong, Daechi-dong, Gaepo-dong, Dogok-dong, Irwon-dong, Yeoksam-dong, and Jamsil.

The building next to BMW at the Woosung Apartments intersection in Daechi-dong

(across from Starbucks/Samsung Store)

연세정원치과, a dental clinic in Daechi-dong,

offers convenient and free parking.

Consultations and inquiries: 02-501-2879

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