Masticatory function and three-dimensional facial morphology of soft tissues: One year after orthognathic surgery

• Published in: Archives of oral biology Vol. 169; p. 106103
• Main Authors: Simões, Joana Carolina Martins, Garcia, Denny Marcos, De Mello-Filho, Francisco Veríssimo, De Felício, Claudia Maria, Trawitzki, Luciana Vitaliano Voi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Bite Force; Cephalometry; Dentofacial deformities; Dentofacial Deformities - physiopathology; Dentofacial Deformities - surgery; Face - anatomy & histology; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Malocclusion, Angle Class II - physiopathology; Malocclusion, Angle Class II - surgery; Malocclusion, Angle Class III - physiopathology; Malocclusion, Angle Class III - surgery; Mastication; Mastication - physiology; Myofunctional therapy; Orthognathic surgery; Orthognathic Surgical Procedures - methods; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; DFD; CG; Bite force; Mastication; IQR; Es; MBF; 3D; Orthognathic surgery; OMS; ANOVA; Myofunctional therapy; Dentofacial deformities; SEM; OMES-expanded
• ISSN: 0003-9969; 1879-1506; 1879-1506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.106103

Dentofacial deformities (DFD) require orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, and speech therapy for aesthetic and functional problems. This longitudinal study analyzed changes in masticatory function and three-dimensional (3D) facial soft tissue in patients with Class II and Class III DFD after orthognathic surgery. In addition, the study investigated the relationship between facial measurements, maximum bite force (MBF), and orofacial myofunctional status (OMS). The sample consisted of 46 participants, including 10 patients with Class II DFD, and 11 patients with Class III DFD. These groups were assessed before (T0) and 6 months (T1) after surgery. Twelve patients who completed the treatment protocol were evaluated 12 months post-surgery (T2). The patient groups were compared with each other and with a control group (CG) of 25 healthy subjects. The participants underwent MBF and clinical evaluation of OMS, including masticatory behavior, using a validated protocol. The 3D facial soft tissue was assessed using laser scanning. Compared to the CG, DFD patients showed reduced MBF, masticatory behavior, and OMS scores at T0. At T2, there was an improvement in MBF, masticatory, and OMS scores, but differences were observed compared to the CG. Changes in facial soft tissue followed the underlying hard tissue movement resulting from surgery, and reduction of vertical measurements contributed to improvements in masticatory function. These findings indicated that combined surgery, orthodontic treatment, and speech therapy can lead to a significant improvement in masticatory function and facial soft tissue in DFD patients, although not completely 12 months post-surgery. •The changes in soft tissue follow the skeletal changes from orthognathic surgery.•The decreased vertical measurements improve masticatory function after surgery.•The facial balance benefits the stomatognathic system and improves chewing ability.•Interdisciplinary treatment for dentofacial deformities benefits bite force.