Evaluation by patients of surgical orthodontic correction of skeletal Class III malocclusion: survey of 41 patients.

To assess whether surgical procedures have fulfilled patients' expectations, questionnaires were sent to 41 patients who had undergone surgical-orthodontic correction of skeletal Class III malocclusions. Ninety per cent of the patients answered that they were satisfied with the results in regard to their chief problems and 85% had improved masticatory function. A favorable change in appearance was recognized by 24 patients, whereas 15 patients noticed no major changes, and two were displeased with the changes. Patients' expectations were not always satisfied despite evident improvement by objective standards. Factors affecting their satisfaction with the results of the surgery are discussed.