Comparison of Class II open bite correction by temporomandibular joint prostheses or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of skeletal Class II and anterior open bite patients who received simultaneous Le fort I osteotomies with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with condylar resorption (CR) were treated by TMJ prostheses and orthognathic surgery and divided into two groups. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained before and after operation to find out the surgical alteration by comparing measures at different time points. RESULTS: 23 patients were included. Mean overbite of the patients was increased by 3.39 mm in TMJ prostheses group and 3.24 mm in orthognathic group. Occlusal plane angle was averagely rotated -6.06 degrees and 1.31 degrees ; mandibular plane counterclockwise rotated 12.23 degrees and 5.81 degrees , respectively. The increase of ramus height in TMJ prostheses group were significantly greater than orthognathic surgery group (8.02 +/- 1.96 mm vs. -0.09 +/- 1.29 mm). The overall treatment effect was stable in both groups during the 1-year follow up. DISCUSSION: Two surgical plans seem to be reliable treatments of anterior open bite and mandibular retrognathism caused by temporomandibular disease. TMJ prostheses with simultaneous Le fort I osteotomies close open bite by lengthening the height of ramus and rotating maxillo-mandibular complex counterclockwise, while bimaxillary orthognathic surgery by rotating maxilla clockwise and mandible counterclockwise without rebuilding ramus.