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Published on: August 2, 2024
Surgery-first accelerated orthognathic surgery: postoperative rapid orthodontic tooth movement
Eric J W Liou1, Po-Hsung Chen, Yu-Chih Wang
1Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Dentistry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Graduate Institute of Oral and Craniofacial Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyaun, Taiwan. lioueric@ms19.hinet.net
Summary
Orthognathic surgery accelerates tooth movement for 3-4 months post-operation due to increased bone metabolism and osteoclastic activity. This study investigated the underlying physiological changes and tooth mobility responses.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Bone Physiology
Background:
- Clinically observed accelerated orthodontic tooth movement post-orthognathic surgery.
- Phenomenon duration is typically 3-4 months.
- Underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate postoperative bone physiology and metabolism changes.
- To assess dentoalveolar responses, including tooth mobility.
- To elucidate mechanisms behind accelerated tooth movement.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical pilot study.
- Included 22 adult patients undergoing 2-jaw orthognathic surgery.
- Measured serum alkaline phosphatase, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and tooth mobility (Periotest) preoperatively and up to 4 months postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Tooth mobility and ICTP significantly increased from 1 week to 3 months postoperatively, then decreased.
- Changes in tooth mobility correlated significantly with ICTP changes.
- Alkaline phosphatase increased postoperatively but did not correlate with tooth mobility changes.
Conclusions:
- Orthognathic surgery induces a 3-4 month period of heightened osteoclastic activity and metabolic changes.
- These changes in the dentoalveolus likely accelerate postoperative orthodontic tooth movement.
