Changes in occlusal force after intraoral one-stage curved osteotomy of the prominent mandibular angle.

BACKGROUND

Curved osteotomy of a prominent mandibular angle is widely used in narrowing the width of the lower face, but its influence on occlusal force has not been evaluated.

METHODS

The maximum occlusal forces of five different teeth areas in 20 consecution patients with an average age of 26.5 years were studied. The examinations were performed both before the operation and 6 months afterward.

RESULTS

The values of maximum occlusal force had reached the preoperative levels or slightly above for the incisor teeth, bilateral premolar teeth, and bilateral molar teeth 6 months after operation. There were no significant differences between the levels before the operation and 6 months afterward (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the study findings, curved osteotomy of the prominent mandibular angle had no long-term harmful effects on occlusal force.