- Oral & Maxillofacial Home
- Dental Extractions
- Impacted Teeth
- Trismus
- Maxillofacial Trauma
- Orthognathic Surgery
- Orthognathic Procedures
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic: Ortho - Straight, Gnathic - Jaw
Orthognathic surgery is known as corrective jaw surgery used to treat a variety of facial and jaw abnormalities in which the facial bones and teeth are not correctly developed or misaligned resulting in difficulty in chewing, speech, jaw function and facial deformities.
Orthognathic surgery corrects the jaw and facial deformities usually in conjunction with an orthodontist resulting in facial harmony & esthetics as well as correction of jaw function.
Who needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from Orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process, and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates.
 |
The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health, and appearance. Any of these can exist at birth or be acquired after birth as a result of |  |
 |
hereditary, environmental influences or trauma to the face. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. |  |
Is Orthognathic surgery for me ?
- Do you have any difficulty in chewing or biting?
- Have you noticed increased wear on your teeth?
- Do you like your facial appearance from the front?
- Do you like your facial appearance from the side?
- Do you have a protruding jaw or no chin?
- Do you have an open bite?
How does your Dentist decide?
Pre-operative diagnosis and planning for patients with jaw, asymmetries and deformities includes:
A photograph analyzes the complete orthognathic work-up involving x-rays, dental impressions, and models to bring about the most functional and esthetic post treatment result for you.
Do i need Orthodontic Treatment?
Pre-surgical Orthodontics
Pre surgical orthodontics may be required for:
Leveling, aligning and co-ordination of dental arches, to correct incisor angulation and closure of extraction space. Total duration 1-1 1/2 years (depends on Severity of malocclusion)
How long is the surgery?
Surgery usually lasts three to four hours,during the time you will be completely anesthetised. Incisions are made on the inside of your mouth to expose the bones to be cut. The procedures are then carried out. Screws are used to hold the bones (the teeth are not usually wired together). The incisions are closed with sutures.
How long does it take to recover?
The length of recovery in the hospital may vary from one to three days following surgery. During the week following surgery, routine activities should be limited. Swelling is common, and a brief period of facial discoloration is possible. Often recovery after orthognathic surgery is more comfortable as compared to the extraction of impacted wisdom tooth.
What if I don't have the surgery?
Not treating a functional problem may prevent you from being able to bite and chew your food, close your lips together, and to speak clearly. The health of the teeth, gums and particularly the jaw joint (TMJ) may be affected. While not often a primary reason for orthognathic surgery, the appearance of your face may be made to look more balanced or normal. One's facial appearance can influence one's quality of life in many ways.
How safe is it?
Advances in orthognathic surgery and the use of specialized instruments have made recovery faster with minimal disability. Previously, thin wires were used to support the bones in the new positions, but because this was not stable, the patient also had to endure periods of 6 to 12 weeks of "intermaxillary fixation," or having their teeth and jaws wired together. Not only was this uncomfortable, but oral hygiene was difficult and post-operative weight loss was a problem.
Today, miniature titanium plates and screws are used to fix the facial bones in their new relationship. This is not only comfortable for the patient, but also more stable and predictable.
This, in combination with new instruments and anesthetic techniques, has allowed orthognathic surgery to be safer and more effective, and is much easier for the patient to undergo. New advances in orthodontics have also allowed the total treatment time to be shortened.
Complications
- Excessive blood loss
- Neurologic injury (Hypoesthesia, Dysesthesia.)
- Allergic reaction
- Post operative infections (Surgical site, Rigid fixation plates)