Jaw Surgery
PRECISE, RAPID STRUCTURAL CHANGE
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, in combination with orthodontic treatment, is often used to address complex dental and skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. Both treatments work synergistically to improve facial aesthetics, restore proper occlusion (bite), and enhance overall facial, oral and airway function.
Following is an explanation of the individual goals for Jaw Surgery and Orthodontics in their combined treatment approach. Below we will also describe the different types of jaw surgery and their respective benefits of treatment.
The Goals for Jaw Surgery
PREPARING A SOLID FOUNDATION
Correction of Skeletal Imbalances
- Jaw surgery is primarily aimed at correcting significant skeletal discrepancies in the maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), or both. This may include conditions such as underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, or asymmetries of the jaws.
Improvement of Facial Aesthetics
- Jaw surgery can enhance the harmony and balance of facial features by repositioning the jaws to achieve a more proportionate and pleasing facial profile.
Resolution of Functional Issues
- Orthognathic surgery can improve bite function, speech clarity, chewing efficiency, and overall oral function by aligning the jaws and teeth in proper occlusion.
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- In some cases, jaw surgery may be indicated to correct anatomical abnormalities contributing to obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by breathing pauses during sleep.
Types of Jaw Surgery
DIFFERENT APPROACHES
Maxillary Osteotomy (LeFort I)
This procedure involves repositioning the maxilla (upper jaw) to correct issues such as open bite, crossbite, or asymmetry. The maxilla is typically separated from the skull and repositioned using specialized surgical techniques.
Mandibular Osteotomy (Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy, BSSO)
Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy is a common procedure used to reposition the mandible (lower jaw) to correct underbites, overbites, or asymmetries. The mandible is divided and repositioned to achieve proper alignment and occlusion.
Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)
Genioplasty involves reshaping or repositioning the chin to improve facial harmony and balance. It may be performed in conjunction with maxillary or mandibular osteotomies to achieve optimal facial aesthetics.
Combined Maxillary and Mandibular Surgery
In some cases of severe skeletal discrepancies, both the maxilla and mandible may require surgical correction to achieve proper alignment and occlusion.
The Goals of Orthodontic Treatment
ALIGNING YOUR SMILE
Alignment of Teeth
Orthodontic treatment focuses on aligning the teeth within the dental arches to achieve optimal occlusion and aesthetics. This involves the use of braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances to move teeth into their desired positions.
Preparation for Jaw Surgery
Orthodontics is often used to align the teeth and establish proper dental occlusion before jaw surgery. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment helps create a stable foundation for surgical correction of skeletal discrepancies.
Stabilization After Jaw Surgery
Following orthognathic surgery, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to fine-tune the bite relationship, close any remaining gaps or spaces, and ensure long-term stability of the surgical outcome.
Benefits of Combined Jaw Surgery
and Orthodontic Treatment
THE INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
- Comprehensive Correction: Combined orthodontic and surgical treatment allows for comprehensive correction of both dental and skeletal discrepancies, addressing the underlying causes of malocclusion and facial asymmetry.
- Improved Airway and Treatment of Sleep Apnea: Often the root cause of Sleep Apnea can be described as small, insufficient airway spaces. One of the key benefits of Jaw Surgery is enlarging airways; namely the Posterior Oral-Pharyngeal and Nasal airway spaces. Additionally, Jaw Surgery can widen the maxilla, creating a wider space for the tongue, and also advancing the chin through Genio-Plasty, that can bring the tongue farther forward and elevated, further opening the Oral-Pharyngeal airway space. All these corrections may facilitate greater airflow and oxygen/carbon dioxide management in the cardiovascular system. Such improvements may allow deeper sleep and rest to patients.
- Improved Aesthetics and Function: By addressing both skeletal and dental components, combined treatment can significantly improve facial aesthetics, bite function, and overall oral health and well-being.
- Enhanced Stability: Orthognathic surgery, when combined with orthodontics, leads to more stable and long-lasting results compared to orthodontic treatment alone, reducing the risk of relapse.
- Customized Treatment Planning: Orthodontists and oral surgeons work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Enhanced Patient Experience: Combined treatment offers patients a comprehensive and streamlined approach to addressing complex orthodontic and skeletal issues, minimizing the need for multiple treatment phases and maximizing treatment efficiency.
To summarize, jaw surgery and orthodontic treatment are complementary modalities that work together to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients with complex dental and skeletal discrepancies. By combining the expertise of orthodontists and oral surgeons, patients can benefit from comprehensive, customized treatment plans designed to meet their specific needs and goals.