2007 - AAO Interdisciplinary Conference - Maxillary Posterior Osteotomies to Maximize Esthetic or Restorative Results

Although the potential adverse soft-tissue affects of the LeFort I osteotomy have been described and surgical procedures have been developed to minimize the impact of these changes, patients can still end up with unesthetic results following surgery. To minimize the likelihood of these adverse soft-tissue changes, treatment planning decisions should be made jointly between the orthodontist and surgeon. Of primary importance is the position and angulation of the maxillary incisors, as this will contribute greatly to midface esthetics and often lower face esthetics as well. Management of individuals with anterior open bit, occlusal plane deviations or upright maxillary incisors without crowding will be reviewed with special emphasis on patients with previous maxillary premolar extractions and subsequent unesthetic flattening of the upper lip. The orthodontist and surgeon should be aware of the soft-tissue impact of various LeFort I procedures and how to either avoid or utilize these changes to maximize the patients esthetic outcome.

Learning Objectives:

• The orthodontist and surgeon will understand their individual role in providing patients undergoing LeFort I surgery with good midface esthetics
• Appreciate the importance of both incisor position and angulation in preparation for surgery
• Understand the soft-tissue impact of various LeFort I procedures and how to avoid or utilize these changes to maximize the patients esthetic outcome