Control of the occlusal plane in orthognathic surgery

Abstract

• Diagnostic considerations of occlusal plane can make a treatment plan for better results. • Presurgical control of occlusal plane can contribute in reducing the need for double-jaw surgery. • Functional occlusal plane should be controlled to improve stability with better esthetics. • Adequate planning of occlusal plane orientation is of high significance in orthognathic surgery. The orientation of the occlusal plane (OP) influences the functional and esthetic balance of the face. We report on two patients for which the careful consideration of OP angulation from diagnosis to treatment planning aided in achieving a superior esthetic correction and improved stability. In both surgical patients, adequate presurgical control of the OP facilitated the surgical correction with a rotation of the OP. The results showed a better esthetic outcome and improved orientation of the musculoskeletal relation. Therefore, in severe mandibular prognathism or retrognathism, adequate planning of the OP orientation is of high significance.