Three-dimensional analysis of dental decompensation for skeletal Class III malocclusion on the basis of vertical skeletal patterns obtained using cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presurgical orthodontic tooth movement of mandibular teeth after dental decompensation for skeletal Class III deformities on the basis of vertical skeletal patterns. METHODS: This cohort was comprised of 62 patients who received presurgical orthodontic treatment. These patients were divided into 3 groups according to their vertical skeletal patterns. Changes in the positions of the mandibular central incisor, canine, premolar, and 1st molar after presurgical orthodontic treatment were measured using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) superimposition method. RESULTS: The incisors moved forward after dental decompensation in all 3 groups. The canines in group I and the 1st premolars in groups I and III also moved forward. The incisors and canines were extruded in groups I and II. The 1st and 2nd premolars were also extruded in all groups. Vertical changes in the 1st premolars differed significantly between the groups. We also observed lateral movement of the canines in group III and of the 1st premolar, 2nd premolar, and 1st molar in all 3 groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Movement of the mandibular incisors and premolars resolved the dental compensation. The skeletal facial pattern did not affect the dental decompensation, except in the case of vertical changes of the 1st premolars.