Evaluation of soft and hard tissue changes after anterior segmental osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between the changes of soft and hard tissues after anterior segmental osteotomy and to evaluate these changes using cepahalometric and photometric analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten patients aged 18-30 years who underwent anterior segmental osteotomy were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative records consisted of lateral cephalogram and frontal and lateral photographs. Postoperative measurements were taken six months after surgery. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed changes in both soft and hard tissue parameters. Changes were not uniform for all the parameters. Upper lip and upper incisor protrusion showed very large effect size whereas nasal tip inclination showed small effect and mentolabial angle showed no effect. CONCLUSION Skeletal protrusion pose problem to orthodontists as they can't be corrected by orthodontics alone. Anterior segmental osteotomy in association with orthodontia is the choice of treatment. Anterior segmental osteotomy allows for functional and aesthetical correction with good success rate and minimal complication.