Augmented corticotomy-assisted presurgical orthodontics of class III malocclusions: a cephalometric and cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate mandibular incisor decompensation and the surrounding periodontal status with augmented corticotomy-assisted presurgical orthodontics of class III patients. METHODS: Fifty-six surgical class III patients were enrolled in this study, 26 of whom chose augmented corticotomy-assisted presurgical orthodontics (G1), and 30 chose conventional procedures (G2). Cone-beam computed tomography images and lateral cephalograms were obtained from each patient before and after presurgical orthodontics. Measurements of variables were compared using Student t tests and separate variance estimation t tests. RESULTS: The amount of mandibular incisor decompensation and the increase in labial alveolar bone thickness in G1 were greater than those in G2 during presurgical orthodontics (P < 0.001), however, root resorption (P < 0.001), the decrease in lingual alveolar bone thickness (P < 0.001), and vertical alveolar bone loss on both labial (P < 0.05) and lingual sides (P < 0.001) were less in G1 than in G2. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient mandibular incisor decompensation and better periodontal preservation were achieved with augmented corticotomy-assisted presurgical orthodontics for class III patients compared with traditional procedures.