What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is the science of correcting jaw size difeerences through surgery. It is usually performed by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. The procedure requires preparation of the teeth and this involves the wearing of braces and hence the care of an orthodontist (braces specialist).

What is the sequence of treatment?

Patients are seen by both the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and the Orthodontist for a detailed consultation and evaluation. The options of treatment are discussed and this usually involved the relatives of the patients as well. When a final decision is made to proceed, the patient will commence braces treatment. The first phase of braces treatment will take between nine months to one year. The next phase will the surgical phase where the surgical procedure is planned and carried out by the surgeon. This will usually involve a hospital stay of about one week. After the surgery, the patient will need to remain on medical leave for about one month for recovery. The third phase will involve the continuation of braces therapy for the next year. The surgeon will continue to review the paitent even after the braces have come off, for the next five years.

Jaw protrusion

Cases of long lower jaws can be corrected by orthognathic surgery. The surgeons will evaluate the severity of the protrusion and determine if the patient needs surgical correction. Mild cases may be treated with braces alone.

 

 

 

Jaw retrusion

Short lower jaw or chin retrusion is another common condition treated by this method. Again, the pre-treatment evaluation is very important to determine if the patient really needs surgical correction. Only when both the surgeon and the orthodontist are satisfied that the patient will benefit from surgery, will the surgical option be chosen.

 

 

Teeth protrusion

When both upper and lower jaws are protrusive, this may give rise to the bimaxillary protrusion condition. This is where the teeth bearing portion of the jaw bone is projected forward. Such cases can be corrected surgically by surgery. The results of such cases are often very dramatic.

 

 

Open Bite conditions

When our teeth at the front cannot come together to bite on food, it is known as an anterior open bite condition. This can be a result of habits like tongue thrusting during our formative years, To corrected such conditions, surgery is most often indicated. With the advent of newer techniques today, mild cases can be treated non surgically. The best people to differentiate between such cases will be the orthodontist and the surgeon involved.