The nature of vertical maxillary deformities: implications for surgical intervention

A study was performed to identify the area within the maxilla where vertical maxillary deformities are expressed. Analysis of the maxillas of individuals who displayed 4 mm or more of the central incisors at rest were compared with those who displayed less than 1 mm. Similarly, individuals who had greater than or equal to 2 mm negative incisor overbite (open-bite) were compared with those who had greater than or equal to 2 mm positive overbite. The results showed that the vertical position of the maxillary skeleton (palate) was similar in all groups. The vertical excess was found to lie within the dentoalveolus. The clinical implications of these results are discussed.