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Stability of open bite correction with sagittal split osteotomy and closing rotation of the mandible
Christopher D Stansbury1, Carla A Evans, Michael Miloro
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Purpose:
To determine the long-term stability of bilateral sagittal split osteotomies with counterclockwise (closing) rotation of the mandible combined with rigid internal fixation in the correction of anterior open bite deformities.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 28 patients who had completed orthodontic therapy and had at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up were evaluated using cephalometric analysis for dental and skeletal changes. We evaluated 7 angular and 6 linear measurements cephalometrically at 3 points for each patient: immediately preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and after a minimum of 1 year of postoperative follow-up.
Results:
Of the 28 patients, 12 exhibited some degree of opening rotation (range 1% to 64%, mean 16%), and 16 showed no open rotation or continued to experience bite closure. However, all patients had a positive overbite at 1 year of follow-up, indicating that even though skeletal relapse was observed postoperatively, dental compensation resulted in the maintenance of the occlusal relationships.
Conclusions:
Bilateral sagittal split osteotomies and closing rotation of the mandible using rigid fixation is a relatively stable procedure and a viable surgical treatment option for the correction of anterior open bite in instances in which maxillary osteotomies are not indicated to improve or enhance facial esthetics.
