Perceived Effects of Orthognathic Surgery versus Orthodontic Camouflage Treatment of Convex Facial Profile Patients

Abstract

Increased facial profile convexity has a common occurrence in the population and is a primary reason for seeking orthodontic treatment. The present study aimed to compare the perceived changes in facial profile appearance between patients treated with combined orthognathic/orthodontic treatment versus only orthodontic camouflage treatment. For this reason, 18 pairs of before- and after-treatment facial profile photos per treatment group (n = 36 patients) were presented to four types of assessors (surgeons, orthodontists, patients, laypeople). Ratings were recorded on 100 mm visual analogue scales depicted in previously validated questionnaires. All rater groups identified minor positive changes in the facial profile appearance after exclusively orthodontic treatment, in contrast to substantial positive changes (14% to 18%) following combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery. The differences between the two treatment approaches were slightly larger in the lower face and the chin than in the lips. The combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery interventions were efficient in improving the facial appearance of patients with convex profile, whereas orthodontic treatment alone was not. Given the significant influence of facial aesthetics on various life aspects and its pivotal role in treatment demand and patient satisfaction, healthcare providers should take these findings into account when consulting adult patients with a convex facial profile.

The effect of mentoplate application on the condyle

“…Researchers advocating for early intervention have asserted that orthopedic effectiveness increases with treatment initiated in the early developmental stages, emphasizing that the outcomes primarily manifest at the skeletal level [ 6 ]. Another treatment approach is to wait for the completion of growth and subsequently implement either dental camouflage treatment or orthognathic surgery [ 23 ]. In our study, patients whose growth and development were not yet completed, ranging in age from 8 to 11, were included to assess orthopedic effects.…”