Correction of maxillary excess by anterior maxillary osteotomy. A review of three basic procedures

With proper planning, execution, and follow-up care, the anterior maxilla can be surgically repositioned in selected cases to correct the anteroposterior, vertical, and horizontal manifestations of maxillary excess. The technical problems in planning and design for the necessary bony and soft-tissue incisions for three basic anterior maxillary osteotomy techniques are discussed and illustrated. Selection of the most appropriate procedure is based upon the type of positional change that is planned.