Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including misalignments of the jaws and teeth. This surgery can improve functions such as chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as enhance facial appearance and symmetry.

Purpose of Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is performed to address various conditions, including:

• Malocclusion (bad bite): When the teeth do not fit together correctly due to jaw misalignment.
• Jaw Misalignment: Discrepancies in jaw position, such as an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite.
• Sleep Apnea: Severe cases where airway obstruction is caused by jaw structure.
• Facial Injuries or Birth Defects: Correcting deformities resulting from trauma or congenital conditions like cleft palate.
• Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain: Alleviating persistent discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint disorders.
• Difficulty in Chewing, Biting, or Swallowing: Improving oral functions impaired by jaw alignment issues.
• Speech Problems: Correcting structural issues that affect speech clarity.
• Facial Imbalance or Asymmetry: Enhancing aesthetic appearance by aligning facial structures.

Procedure Overview

Orthognathic surgery is typically a collaborative effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist. The process generally involves several stages:

1. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics:

   • Braces are applied to move teeth into a new position that will fit together properly after surgery.
   • This phase can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

2. Surgical Planning:

   • Detailed analysis using dental models, X-rays, and 3D imaging to plan the surgery precisely.
   • Customized surgical guides may be created for accuracy.

3. Surgical Procedure:

   • Performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
   • The surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth to minimize visible scarring.
   • Bones of the jaw are cut and repositioned as planned, and stabilized with plates, screws, or wires.
   • Surgery can involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), chin, or a combination.

4. Post-Surgical Orthodontics:

   • Continued orthodontic treatment for several months to fine-tune bite alignment.
   • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress.

Recovery Process

• Hospital Stay: Patients may stay in the hospital for 1-3 days post-surgery.
• Initial Recovery: Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common and managed with medication.
• Diet: A modified diet starting with liquids, progressing to soft foods as healing occurs.
• Activity: Rest is essential initially, with gradual return to normal activities over several weeks.
• Healing Time: Complete healing can take 9 to 12 months, although patients often resume regular routines much sooner.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups to ensure proper healing and address any complications promptly.

Benefits

• Improved bite function and ability to chew food effectively.
• Enhanced speech clarity.
• Better breathing, potentially resolving sleep apnea issues.
• Reduced jaw pain and discomfort.
• Improved facial aesthetics and self-confidence.
• Enhanced overall oral health by making oral hygiene easier.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, orthognathic surgery carries potential risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve injury leading to temporary or permanent numbness
• Relapse where the jaw shifts back toward its original position
• Problems with bite alignment
• Jaw joint (TMJ) issues
• Need for additional surgery

Careful surgical planning and adherence to post-operative instructions help minimize these risks.

Conclusion

Orthognathic surgery can have a profound positive impact on both functional and aesthetic aspects of a person’s life. It requires a significant commitment, including time for orthodontic treatment and recovery, but many patients find the results well worth the effort.

If you are considering orthognathic surgery, consult with qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists to discuss your specific situation, understand the potential benefits and risks, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.