Orthodontic incisor decompensation in orthognathic therapy—success and efficiency in three dimensions

Objectives Sufficient dental decompensation is crucial for treatment success in combined orthodontic-surgical treatment. The study’s objective was to determine the treatment success and efficiency in sagittal, vertical, and transversal decompensation. Methods This longitudinal, observational study enrolled 52 adult patients, who underwent orthodontic-surgical treatment. Incisor inclinations and positions as well as skeletal changes were assessed pre-treatment (T1), pre-surgical (T2), and post-surgical (T3) by lateral cephalograms and CBCT scans. Results Incisor decompensation was insufficient in all three dimensions. Sagittal: treatment efficiency did not differ between class II and III patients. Vertical: patients with open bite demonstrated pre-surgical bite deepening and insufficient surgical reduction of the maxillomandibular plane angle. Transversal: Dental midline deviations were not adapted to the skeletal asymmetry so that menton deviations were not properly corrected. Conclusions Incisor decompensation was not as successful as requested in all three dimensions and the treatment ideal was seldom achieved. Clinical relevance To improve the skeletal outcome, the orthodontist has to treat the patient with the desired surgical movements in mind and should critically evaluate the pre-surgical incisor decompensation before referral to the surgical team.