Orthodontics highlights

Abstract

PaRameteRS uSed foR RefeRRing PatientS foR oRtHognatHiC SuRgeRyDuring the course of decades, orthodontics was based on linear and angular static measurements to define the orthodontic treatment plan. Nowadays, a great deal of attention has been paid to facial analysis. In line with this trend, an interesting article 1 was published, in which the proposal was to verify whether it was necessary or not to refer Class II, division 1 patients for orthognathic surgery, based on observation of the face in lateral view. The conclusions drawn from this study were that the displacement of the soft tissues of the pogonium and point B in the posterior direction and the diminished facial profile angle were decisive factors for orthodontists to indicate these patients for orthognathic surgery. These results suggested that in the presence of cases with limitations it is always important to take a profile photograph of the patient and show it to the patient, so that he/ she can evaluate his/her face and together with the orthodontist, define whether or not it would be convenient to undergo surgical treatment.