Surgical treatment of class II dento-facial deformity during adolescence: Long-term follow-up

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term stability of patients operated during adolescence on the base of clinical measurements and cephalometric analysis. Although, the potential benefits of early orthognathic surgery are known to be a reduction in treatment times and a greater healing potential leading to a better adaptation and stability of the occlusion, muscles, bones and joints, no consensus can be found in literature on the minimum age for surgical correction.Materials and methodsIn this study, thirty patients (age ≤ 15) with a class II dento-skeletal malocclusion were selected, of which 11 having a hyperdivergent (II,1) and 19 a hypodivergent (II,2) growth pattern, representing 2 distinct groups with a different treatment plan and long-term behavior.Results and conclusionObserving the performance of all parameters over-time, it is seen that subjects belonging to division II,2 have a modification of the growth vectors maintaining the harmonious development between the jaws and the facial aesthetics. Less predictable is the trend in hyperdivergent patients, which are more prone to relapse in the long-term. Early surgery in these patients should be considered in the light of the degree of deformity and its influence felt by the patient on his development of self-image and interpersonal relationship.