The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the relationship between the relapse forces and periodontal changes in the mandibular incisor region, following orthognathic surgery. Ten subjects with mandibular prognathism were evaluated twice for mucogingival and alveolar changes, just before mandibular setback surgery, and 6.9 months postoperatively. The results were compared to two control groups, the first consisting of 10 subjects with no orthodontic history, and the second one consisting of 10 cases, undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with completed leveling of lower incisors. The mean age of the study group was 20.52 years, while both control groups had a mean age of 19 years. Intra-group measurements within the surgery group revealed no significant changes postoperatively, but inter- group results showed a significant increase in the gingival index among control groups, and an increase of the Ramfjord index in the study group. In general, it can be concluded that Class III surgery patients are prone to develop a periodontal disease in the long term; however, our results did not show any specific effects of the early postoperative relapse forces on the mandibular incisor area.

Keywords: Orthognathic surgery, Relapse, Lower incisor, Periodontal status