Can palatal splint improve stability of segmental Le Fort I osteotomies?

• Published in: Orthodontics & craniofacial research Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 486 - 492
• Main Authors: Parizotto, Julianna Oliveira Lima, Borsato, Karina Tostes, Peixoto, Adriano Porto, Bianchi, Jonas, Cassano, Daniel Serra, Gonçalves, João Roberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.11.2020
• Subjects: Dentistry; le fort; Maxilla; Orthodontics; orthognathic surgery; Osteotomy; segmental Le Fort I osteotomy; stability
• ISSN: 1601-6335; 1601-6343
• DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12399

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a palatal splint on stability in multi‐segment maxillary osteotomies. Setting and Sample Population Retrospective series of fifty‐one adult patients, consecutively operated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and three‐piece maxillary osteotomies, divided according to the use of a palatal splint (Group 1, n = 30) or no palatal splint (Group 2, n = 21). Materials and Methods Maxillary surgical casts (T1) and post‐retention casts (T2), taken at least six months after discontinuation of orthodontic retention, were digitized (MicroScribe‐3DX), measured and compared. Fifty‐one landmarks were identified on the maxillary, transverse dimension changes and arch length were calculated. Longitudinal changes in all measurements were assessed by t test. Results Post‐surgical transverse instability in group 1 ranged from 0.3 ± 0.4 to −1.3 ± 0.2 mm and was statistically significantly smaller than in group 2 that ranged from −1.0 ± 0.3 to −2.5 ± 0.5 mm. Conclusions The use of a palatal splint after segmental Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy improved transverse stability in the posterior region. The post‐surgical transverse instability occurred only between canine gingival points and thus suggesting no clinical relevance.