Stability of open bite correction with sagittal split osteotomy and closing rotation of the mandible.
OBJECTIVE
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.


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.
Stansbury
Christopher D
CD
Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Evans
Carla A
CA
Miloro
Michael
M
BeGole
Ellen A
EA
Morris
David E
DE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D024343:Open Bite / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D055815:Young Adult