Evaluating esthetic changes in class III skeletal patients post orthognathic surgery

Abstract

Background: Orthognathic surgery for class III skeletal patterns significantly impacts facial esthetics by altering the position of skeletal, dental, and soft tissues. Esthetic changes in smiles are critical for patient satisfaction, yet the specific parameters influencing these changes require detailed analysis. This study examines the impact of orthognathic surgery on smile esthetics by analyzing pre- and postsurgical changes in key smile parameters. Aims and Objectives: A primary motivation for seeking orthodontic treatment is the desire to improve the esthetics of the face. The orthodontist is often confronted with the need to predict the esthetic changes after a surgical procedure. The esthetics of smiles appear to change in a class III skeleton patient due to their new skeletal, teeth, and soft-tissue positions. The dental analysis helps the dentist recognize positive and negative elements in detail. To achieve the balance of the orthodontically treated teeth, it is essential to identify the underlying parameters affecting the hard tissue. The current study analyzed the changes brought about by orthognathic surgery in the smiles of subjects with class III skeletal patterns. Methods: Standardized frontal and postsurgical photographs of 50 class III skeleton subjects were taken. The subjects were selected from an age group of 16–30 years. A total of 17 smile parameters have been analyzed in the Makhter facial analysis software. Wilcoxon signed rating tests were used to compare pre- and postsurgical values. Results: The buccal corridor and upper and lower incisal display increased postoperatively, but only the lower incisor display and right buccal corridor showed statistical significance. Parameters such as lower lip length and gingival display have also increased postoperatively but were not statistically significant. The width of the face on the zygoma and the distance between the exocanthion showed a statistically significant decline. Other parameters showed a nonstatistically significant decrease. Conclusion: Surgical correction of class III skeletons has an impact on the parameters of the smile. Parameters such as incisor display, buccal corridor, and face width influenced the smile.

Keywords

• class iii
• esthetics
• orthognathic surgery
• smile
• smile analysis