Evaluation of long-term soft tissue changes after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in Class III patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective:  To assess soft tissues in the short and long term after bimaxillary surgery in Class III patients by comparing the hard tissue changes and results between time periods. Materials and Methods:  Twenty-six Class III adult patients treated with bimaxillary surgery were included in the study. Cephalometric records were taken before surgery (T1) and 5 months (T2), 1.4 years (T3), 3 years (T4), and 5 years (T5) after surgery. Results:  There was no significant relapse in skeletal parameters. Overjet was significantly reduced between T4-T3 time intervals (P < .01). There were significant increases in Sn-HR, ULA-HR, LLA-HR, B-B∧ (P < .01), and B∧-HR (P < .05) between T4-T3 time intervals. There was no significant change in the soft tissue parameters between T5-T4 time intervals. Conclusion:  Soft tissue vertical relapse occurs in skeletally stabile Class III bimaxillary surgery patients in the first 3 years after surgery.