I. Introduction
• Presented by Dr. Amanda, StraightSmile Solutions
• Topic: Spontaneous correction of skeletal Class II malocclusions in growing patients
• Is it a real phenomenon or orthodontic myth?
II. Dr. Amanda’s Perspective
• She has seen it occur—but it’s rare
• No consistent way to predict which patients it will happen in
• The orthodontic community is divided: some believe, some don’t
III. Conflicting Literature
A. Study Supporting It
• Angle Orthodontist Journal
• Reports spontaneous correction after Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE)
• Common in Class II Division 2 cases
• Alignment of upper teeth creates space (overjet), allowing the lower jaw to grow forward
B. Study Refuting It
• Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists (Vol. 8, Issue 4, 2019)
• Found no significant spontaneous correction after using fixed appliances
IV. Dr. Amanda’s Clinical Observations
• Common traits in cases where it occurred:
1. Deep bite, low-angle growth patterns
2. Class II Division 2 diagnosis
3. Majority of growth still ahead (young patients)
4. Occasionally seen in late-growing adolescent males
• Not observed in:
o High-angle patients
o Class II Division 1 cases
V. Clinical Recommendations
• Don’t rush irreversible interventions such as:
o IPR (Interproximal Reduction)
o Elastics or early mechanics
• Be cautious in:
o Class II Division 2 cases
o RPE-based treatments
• Invisalign users:
o Avoid early IPR
o Consider a two-step or staged approach
• Always factor in potential for growth before finalizing treatment plans
VI. Conclusion
• Spontaneous correction is real, but rare and unpredictable
• Shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole strategy
• Clinicians should blend literature, experience, and patient-specific growth potential
• Embrace a “watch and wait” mindset when appropriate
• Leave room—both in arch space and planning—for nature to do its part
• A well-timed decision can make all the difference between forcing correction and letting it evolve naturally