Skeletal open bite correction by combined Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split of the mandibular ramus

Of over 300 surgically-treated skeletal open bite cases, 10 were corrected by simultaneous repositioning of the maxilla and mandible by means of a Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal splitting of the mandibular ramus. The paucity of cases does not permit detailed statistical evaluation; however of the many parameters investigated, certain appeared to be associated with relapse in this series: short intermaxillary fixation period, skeletal class II, and the surgeon. Despite skeletal relapse in 3 cases, dental compensation precluded the need to re-operate on any of these relapsed cases. This surgical approach to the correction of a skeletal open bite, when indicated on aesthetic and occlusal grounds, is a particularly suitable method, and gives stable results.