Vertical facial pattern and orthodontic stability. Part I: Pretreatment vertical pattern and stability.

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Occlusion
• Craniofacial Morphology

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment aims to achieve stable occlusal results.
• Understanding factors influencing long-term occlusal stability is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between pretreatment vertical facial patterns and post-treatment occlusal changes.
• To assess the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Sixty patients' orthodontic casts were analyzed using the PAR Index (Peer Assessment Rating).
• Patients were categorized into vertical facial subgroups based on the Jarabak Facial Height Quotient.
• Long-term follow-up casts were examined at least 6.5 years post-retention.

Main Results:

• Mean weighted PAR scores decreased significantly from pretreatment (27.3) to post-treatment (3.3) and increased at follow-up (8.0).
• Post-treatment occlusal changes showed a mean increase of 4.7 PAR points (25.4%).
• No statistically significant correlation was found between vertical facial patterns and long-term occlusal changes.

Conclusions:

• Pretreatment vertical facial patterns alone are not predictive of post-treatment occlusal changes.
• Orthodontic treatment stability is influenced by factors beyond initial facial morphology.