Cephalometric Evaluation of Facial Soft Tissue Changes after Orthodontics and Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery Treatment in Patients with Skeletal Class III Discrepancy

[Background]Severe skeletal class III malocclusions usually need a combined treatment of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Knowing about changes occurred following such treatments lead to improve facial esthetics and better treatment results.[Objectives]This study was done to determine cephalometric changes of facial soft tissue after combined treatment in patients with skeletal class III problem.[Methods]25 patients with skeletal class III discrepancy who needed a combined treatment, were selected. Changes in nasolabial angle , upper lip and lower lip to E-line distance, angle of convexity , lip-chin-throat angle and lower anterior facial height were measured beforeand 6 - 12 months after surgery. Changes in parameters were analyzed with Paired t-test.[Results]Upper lip to E-line distance (P < 0.0001) and angle of convexity (P < 0.001) changed significantly following surgical procedures while changes of other parameters were not significant.[Conclusions]Clinical changes in the soft tissue following a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal class III discrepancy are significant whilethese changes mostly improves esthetics of patient’s facial profile.