The surgical-orthodontic correction of vertical dentofacial deformities.

Patients with dentofacial deformities must be carefully evaluated to establish a complete diagnosis and exact treatment plan that will achieve optimal functional and esthetic results. Vertical deformities are just one component of existing deformities that may be present. The four primary vertical deformities are: vertical maxillary excess, vertical mandibular excess, vertical maxillary deficiency, and vertical mandibular deficiency. Differential diagnostic features of vertical deformities are presented from the standpoint of clinical, cephalometric, and dental model analyses. Only the vertical deformities were addressed in this paper; it must be realized that vertical components can exist with the anteroposterior, transverse, and asymmetry deformities as well. Orthodontic principles employed for management of vertical deformities were discussed with particular indications for each type of deformity. In addition, the surgical considerations were presented for each of the basic types of vertical deformities. The nature of the deformity will primarily dictate the orthodontics to be utilized as well as the surgical procedures.