Anteroposterior position of mandible and perceived need for orthognathic surgery.

Purpose: This study investigated the association between the anteroposterior position of the mandible and the perceived need for orthognathic surgery.
Materials and Methods: Profiles of 2 men, 1 black and 1 white, and 2 women, 1 black and 1 white, were photographed and altered to produce photos with a straight profile and 6 simulations of mandibular discrepancies, 3 by retrusion and 3 by protusion from each original face. The 28 faces were evaluated by orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, artists, and laypersons.
Results: The greatest numbers of indications for surgery were made for male convex profiles and for female concave profiles. Laypersons were more tolerant to profile changes, whereas maxillofacial surgeons indicated surgery and stated that they would seek facial surgery if profiles were their own in a greater number of cases.
Conclusion: The angle of facial convexity has a strong effect on the perceived need for orthognathic surgery.