Korean J Orthod.  1989 Nov;19(3):147-160.

Orthopedic and surgico-orthodontic treatment in the long face

• Baik HS

Abstract

Long face patients are characterized by excessive anterior facial height, lip incompetence at rest, anterior open bite, and gummy smile. A major problem is an inferior rotation of the posterior maxilla and upper molars. Long face patients have been the most difficult for orthodontist to treat successfully. In growing patients, the methods for impeding excessive vertical growth have been used high pull head gear, functional appliance, and combined type of two. One significant improvement comes from using a full arch splint to deliver force to the maxilla more vertically. In adult patients, orthodontic camouflage treatment is biomechanically difficult and doesn't work when the problem is primarilly vertical. Surgical maxillary impaction provides a means for successfully treating most of problems. Also, superior reposition of the chin via a mandibular inferior border osteotomy is effective in decrease of lower anterior facial height and correction of the poor chin-lip balance. Post-surgical stability and the physiologic response are good. The coordinated orthodontic and surgical treatment is necessary for solution the difficult skeletal deformity.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Chin
Congenital Abnormalities
Head
Humans
Lip
Maxilla
Molar
Open Bite
Orthopedics*
Osteotomy
Splints