Abstract
Introduction
This study evaluated the remodeling patterns of point A (subspinale) and the maxillary alveolar bone after premolar-extraction decompensation in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.Methods
Cone-beam computed tomography data from 40 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion were collected before and after presurgical decompensation (pre-DC and post-DC). A 3-dimensional cephalometric analysis was used to evaluate dentoskeletal changes. Surface-based registration and voxel-based analysis were used to assess anterior maxillary displacement. The root length, alveolar bone height, and thickness were measured for the maxillary anterior teeth. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the associations between point A and other parameters.Results
SNA, FH-NA, U1-SN, and U1-NA decreased by 1.22°, 0.99°, 9.43°, and 7.06° (P Conclusions
Decompensation typically displaces maxillary teeth, alveolar bone, and point A posteriorly in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, frequently accompanied by palatal alveolar bone resorption. Hard-soft tissue remodeling resulting from changes in tooth position and point A should be incorporated into initial treatment planning to individualize the mode and amount of maxillary incisor retraction, which is critical for patients with Class III malocclusion who are ineligible for bimaxillary surgery or who require only mandibular surgery.