Periodontal Phenotype Modification of Mandibular Incisors Following Augmented Corticotomy During Orthodontic–Orthognathic Treatment in Skeletal Class III Patients: A Long‐Term Prospective Cohort Study

Aim To prospectively evaluate periodontal soft‐ and hard‐tissue changes in the mandibular incisor region after labial augmented corticotomy (AC) in skeletal Class III patients undergoing orthodontic–orthognathic treatment. Materials and Methods Thirty‐five skeletal Class III patients were included. A total of 140 mandibular incisors treated with AC were evaluated at baseline, 6 months after surgery and at treatment completion. Clinical parameters, gingival thickness, cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) to alveolar crest distance and labial and lingual alveolar bone areas were assessed using clinical examination, cone‐beam computed tomography and integrated digital models. Results Probing depth and labial gingival recession showed no significant overall changes. Width of keratinised gingiva and gingival thickness increased significantly and remained higher than baseline at treatment completion. Labial CEJ to alveolar crest distance decreased and remained lower than baseline, whereas the lingual distance increased. Labial alveolar bone area remained higher than baseline, whereas lingual alveolar bone area progressively decreased over time. Conclusions Labial AC was associated with sustained improvement in periodontal soft tissue and labial alveolar bone in the mandibular incisor region through treatment completion, although lingual alveolar bone area decreased over time.