An alternative for the correction of the Class II low mandibular plane angle.

The traditional orthodontic and/or orthognathic surgical management of the Class II deep-bite case with a low mandibular plane angle has often been difficult; optimal esthetic results have not always been achieved, and long-term stability was often unpredictable. Many of these patients may benefit functionally and esthetically from appropriate orthodontic treatment and double-jaw surgical intervention to reorient the occlusal plane toward normal (8 degrees +/- 5 degrees to Frankfort horizontal) by moving the posterior maxilla and mandible superiorly and correcting into a Class I skeletal and occlusal relationship. As the occlusal plane angulation is increased, the upper incisor angulation decreases, the lower incisor angulation increases, the chin rotates down and backward relative to the lower incisor occlusal plane tips, and the mandibular plane angle increases. The principle of changing the occlusal plane has provided a means to improve the functional and esthetic results for the correction of this type of facial deformity, as well as many others.