Changes in the occlusal function of orthognathic patients with vertical malformations after combined orthodontic surgical therapy: a prospective clinical study

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in occlusal patterns during combined surgical and orthodontic therapy in patients with vertical jaw malformations. Twenty-six orthognathic patients (18 female, eight male; median age 25 years, interquartile range 11.5 years) and 10 control patients (five female, five male; median age 29.8 years, interquartile range 13.5 years) recruited from neutral configured patients attending the Department of Orthodontics, were investigated. Based on cephalometry, the patients were grouped into vertical skeletal configurations of either open, deep, or natural bite cases. Registrations of the occlusal contacts were taken using a digital occlusal sensor immediately before surgery and at 9 months after the surgical intervention. Before the intervention, open and deep bite patients showed significantly less efficient occlusal patterns than the untreated controls regarding total tooth contact (P