Changes in Facial Profile after Modified Anterior Maxillary Subapical Osteotomy

Abstract

(1) Background: This study explored the effects of modified anterior maxillary subapical osteotomy (AMSO) on facial profile changes in patients with bimaxillary protrusion. (2) Methods: Cephalograms of patients were collected preoperatively and over 2 months postoperatively. The following landmarks were recorded: pronasale (Prn), subnasale (Sn), labrale superius (Ls), anterior nasal spine (ANS), and incisor superius (Is). The following distances and angles were measured: ANS–Prn, ANS–Sn, ANS–Ls, Is–Sn, Is–Ls, SNA angle, and nasolabial (NLA) angle. (3) Results: Is and ANS were significantly retracted by 7.3 and 2.3 mm, respectively. Soft tissue landmarks (Prn, Sn, and Ls) were significantly retracted (1.2, 1.6, 4.4 mm, respectively). Postoperative changes in soft/hard tissue ratios were 0.54, 0.72, 0.31, and 0.60 for Prn/ANS, Sn/ANS, ANS/Is, and Ls/Is, respectively. The NLA angle was increased significantly by 7.1°. (4) Conclusions: The horizontal soft/hard tissue ratios of Sn/Is, ANS/Is, and Ls/Is were 0.22, 0.31, and 0.60, respectively. The NLA angle was increased significantly by 7.1°. The modified AMSO provides an increased blood supply, allows for direct vision, and results in fewer complications than other AMSO methods.