Maxillary molar intrusion and transverse decompensation to enable mandibular single-jaw surgery with rotational setback and transverse shift for a patient with mandibular prognathism and asymmetry

Abstract

When performing single-jaw surgery for mandibular setback, the distal segment of the mandible is brought distally along the occlusal plane, leaving the relationship of the B-point and pogonion unchanged. Double-jaw surgery for rotation of the maxillomandibular complex can be considered for solving this problem. However, maxillary surgery for rotational setback of the mandible can be replaced with orthodontic intrusion of the maxillary molars. Correcting the mandibular asymmetry that frequently accompanies mandibular prognathism often requires corrections of roll, yaw, and transverse shift of the mandible. Performing these corrections in mandibular single-jaw setback surgery requires transverse decompensation and orthodontic correction of maxillary occlusal-plane canting. This case report describes the simultaneous achievement of maxillary molar intrusion, transverse decompensation, and canting correction using a palatal lever supported by 2 midpalatal mini-implants. After creating a lateral open bite, mandibular setback surgery was performed with a 13.5° clockwise rotation, 2.9° roll correction, 3.5° yaw correction, and 3.5-mm transverse shift. The application of rotational setback significantly improved the facial esthetics. This case report demonstrates that orthodontic intrusion of the maxillary molars and transverse decompensation can replace maxillary surgery in the treatment of mandibular prognathism with asymmetry.