Research

Changes of airway after orthognathic surgery for patients with skeletal class III malocclusion

Seung-Hun Lee*   Jeong-Jae Kim   


Abstract

Objectives: This retrospective study evaluated the changes in the airway width after the orthognathic surgery associated with the skeletal Class III malocclusion. Methods: The lateral cephalograms of 30 adult patients were taken before and immediately after the operation, and after the orthodontic treatment. The angles and distances of them were measured and compared. Results: Before the surgery, the mean value of mandibular (S-B) setback was 9.66 mm, and moved by 1.56 mm anteriorly after the orthodontic treatment. The ANB increased by 5.42 degrees, since then it decreased by 0.68 degree. The hyoid bone (S-APH) moved by 5.05 mm posteriorly, but then moved by 2.26 mm anteriorly. The soft tissue width of laryngeal pharynx (apw2-ppw2) was narrowed by 1.04 mm, and decreased by additional 0.83 mm after the orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: As the mandible was moved back, the location of hyoid bone and laryngeal pharynx were moved backward.

Figures & Tables

Fig. 1. The craniometric point, plane, angle, and distance.