THE USE OF KINESIOGRAPHY TO ASSESS MANDIBULAR REST POSITIONS FOLLOWING CORRECTIVE ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY

This study utilized the kinesiograph to assess the effect of orthognat hic surgery on mandibular rest positions in a group of 27 patients exh ibiting vertical facial deformities (14 long faced and 13 short faced patients). Two distinct rest positions were confirmed - clinical and p hysiological. Following surgery to alter the vertical dimensions, the clinical freeway space was found to adapt immediately whereas the phys iological rest position partially adapted in the immediate postoperati ve period and continued to do so over the following 3 year.