Soft tissue changes associated with ASO/BSSRO and Le Fort I/BSSRO in skeletal Class III malocclusion with upper lip protrusion

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare maxillary soft tissue changes and their relative ratios to hard tissue changes after anterior segmental osteotomy (ASO)/bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) and Le Fort I/BSSRO in skeletal Class III malocclusion with upper lip protrusion. Methods: The study sample comprised the ASO/BSSRO group (n = 14) and the Le Fort I/BSSRO group (n = 15). The Le Fort I/BSSRO group included cases of maxillary posterior impaction only. Lateral cephalograms were taken 2 months before and 6 months after surgery. Linear and angular measurements were performed. Results: The anterior maxilla moved backward in both groups after surgery, however the amount of change was significantly larger in the ASO/BSSRO group (p < 0.01). The ratios of hard to soft tissue change were 79% (SLS to A point), 80% (LS to A point) in the ASO/BSSRO group, and 15% (SLS to A point), 68% (LS to A point) in the Le fort I/BSSRO group. In addition, there was a 3.23 increase of the occlusal plane in the Le Fort I/BSSRO group. Conclusions: When two-jaw surgery is indicated in skeletal Class III patients with protrusive lips, ASO may be a treatment of choice for cases with more severe upper lip protrusion, while Le Fort I with posterior impaction may be considered if an increase of occlusal plane angle is required. (Korean J Orthod 2010;40(6):383-397)