Impact of orthognathic surgery on occlusal contacts and bite force distribution in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion by T-ScanTM – prospective clinical pilot study

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Primary aim of malocclusion treatment is to achieve optimal occlusion. The purpose of this pilot prospective clinical study was to investigate digital occlusal features pre and post orthognathic surgery among individuals with skeletal class III malocclusion.

Methods Nine patients confirmed to have skeletal class III malocclusion participated in this study, including four females and five males. Single bite scan was performed seven days before and 6–8 weeks after surgery using T-Scan Novus (Tekscan Inc., Norwood, MA, USA). Occlusal time, total average occlusal force of upper and lower arch and projection of center of force (COF) were assessed and compared before and after surgery.

Results Compared to the pre-surgical period; occlusal time was significantly reduced (p = 0.011). While the total force in the anterior segment increased (p = 0.008), a decrease was noted in the posterior segment (p = 0.008). The COF demonstrated a markedly improved position in the post-surgical period, indicating a more stable occlusion (p = 0.026).

Conclusion In subjects with skeletal class III malocclusion, surgical treatment significantly improves occlusal quality, including occlusion and disclusion times, the distribution of total force in the antero-posterior direction, and the COFs, compared to the pre-surgical condition.

Keywords: T-Scan; skeletal class III; orthognathic surgery; digital occlusal analyzer