Evaluation of occlusal force changes in orthognathic surgery using force-sensing sensors in 3 years of follow-up

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test a prototype device called occlusal force diagnostic system in relation to occlusal force adaptation following orthognathic surgery. Methods: Retrospective study of 10 patients scheduled for a bimaxillary osteotomy involving a combination of maxillary Le Fort I impaction procedure coupled with a sagittal split advancement of the mandible; in a 3 years follow-up period. Results: The selection of examiner is not a variable that affects the occlusal force (N) measured by FSS sensors in any of the experimental conditions tested. The sensor position and the surgery recovery time affect the occlusal force irrespective of the examiner selection and/or the surgery recovery time. Conclusion: The piezoelectric sensors used in the present study have shown high reliability and validity of measurement. The surgery recovery time impacts the occlusal force (N), with a 50% increase in occlusal force (N) measured after 6 months post-surgery, with the value keeping stable at 36 months. This suggests that the patient is only fully recovered from the functional point-of-view at 6 months, having from that point on an improved and stable masticatory function.