The case for postoperative orthodontics in orthognathic surgery

Summary In patients with orthognathic problems, in whom a combination of surgery and orthodontics is required, it seems to us better to defer orthodontic treatment until after surgery has been completed and a possible relapse tendency has petered out. This conclusion is reached on the basis of arch instability and the incidence of root resorption as reported in the orthodontic literature. The soundness of “permanent retention” after orthodontic therapy is questioned. The author's concepts are illustrated with a few case reports.