Surgical-orthodontic Correction of Vertical Maxillary Excess

Superior repositioning of the maxilla via maxillary ostectomy has proved to be useful method of treating patients with vertical maxillary excess. It is indicated primarily in patients with lip incompetence, excessive exposure of maxillary anterior teeth, long lower facial height, contour-deficient chin, and either Class I or Class II malocclusion. We have used this procedure as routine treatment for vertical maxillary excess over the past 5 years. Timing of the surgery is not so important in non-open-bite patients, and the procedure can be done with equal success before any orthodontic intervention, during orthodontic treatment, and following all orthodontic procedures. Timing is primarily dependent upon the orthodontist's desires. Since the surgery can produce a much simpler orthodontic problem, thus reducing treatment time and allowing a better over-all result, we recommend that it be done as early in treatment as possible. Clinically, the over-all improvement in facial appearance and the predictability and stability of the results have made this a most versatile and effective procedure when carried out with good planning, proper execution and attention to detail.