 Orthognathic
surgery is also known as corrective jaw
surgery. It is used to treat a variety of
facial and jaw abnormalities in which the
facial bones and teeth are not correctly
developed. This results in difficulty with
chewing, speech, and jaw function. In many
cases, the facial appearance is affected
by this problem. Orthognathic means "straight
jaws", and orthognathic surgery corrects
these jaw and facial deformities, usually
in conjunction with an orthodontist, so
that after the jaws are corrected, the teeth
will come together properly.
Sometimes,
braces alone can correct a problem with
the bite, but when it is severe, usually
orthognathic surgery is required. Abnormal
jaw and facial development can be genetic
or acquired due to disease or injury. When
the jaws are not properly developed or proportioned,
problems such as difficulty chewing, jaw
and facial pain, speech abnormalities and
dental problems can result. Using sophisticated
surgical techniques, the facial bones can
be repositioned in order to restore proper
function and facial appearance.
Evaluation
:
Orthognathic surgery is performed in the
hospital or outpatient surgical center.
Patients generally stay in the hospital
1-2 nights, depending on the extent of surgery
done. Almost all patients agree that they
are happy with the results and would go
through the surgery again, without hesitation.
The improvement in jaw function and facial
appearance is remarkable. Our patients experience
a great improvement in their self-confidence
and quality of life after orthognathic surgery.
Pre-surgical
Orthodontia :
Our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and
Orthodontist will work closely together
during treatment. Orthodontic treatment
(braces) is started before surgery. The
teeth are moved and repositioned into proper
alignment before surgery if necessary.
Preparing
for Surgery :
The Orthognathic Surgery will take place
in a qualified hospital under general anesthesia.
You will be admitted to the hospital one
day prior to surgery and will be advised
on dietary conditions for the days leading
up to surgery. You will probably be required
to stay in the hospital for five to seven
days or so until you have recovered from
the surgery. You will then undergo a full
medical checkup. You should as always, maintain
a good standard of oral hygiene before and
after surgery.
Surgical Procedures
:
Orthognathic Surgery lasts anywhere from
1ฝ hours to several hours depending on the
type of surgery needed. Incisions are made
inside the mouth during surgery and there
will be no visible external scars. However
if external incision has to be made, as
in surgeries of the tempromandibular joint
, care is taken to conceal it in the natural
skin creases or folds. Meticulous suturing
technique can reduce the scar formation.
Under what circumstances would I need orthognathic
surgery?
The
conditions which require orthognathic surgery
are often refered to as “bad bites”. There
are many types of “bad bites”, with some
having a greater effect on facial esthetics
than others. The common maxillofacial deformities
and their clinical appearances are the following:
1. Protruded
Maxilla (upper jaw) : The
upper jaw is protruded beyond the normal
limits along with the teeth. The person
cannot close his lips (lip incompetence)
without effort. The teeth are always visible
and in most cases the whole of the gums
are visible on smiling (gummy smile).
2. Retruded Maxilla :
This deformity is due to under-development
of the upper jaw mainly seen in people who
have cleft lip or palate. After the surgical
correction of the cleft lip or palate at
a young age the growth of the maxilla is
retarded along with displacement or destruction
of the tooth bud. This causes a dish shaped
face with a hooked or flaring nose and irregularly
aligned, rotated or missing teeth.
3. Protruded
Mandible (lower jaw) : In
some people there will be extra growth of
the lower jaw resulting in long jaw. Their
faces are very long with protrusion of the
lower teeth and thick lips. Normally on
biting the lower teeth will be inside the
upper teeth while in people with long jaws
usually the lower teeth will be outside
the upper arch.
4. Retruded Mandible :
In some people due to developmental deformity
or due to hereditary factors the lower jaw
is very small resulting in a “bird face”.
There is no proper development of the chin.
5. Facial
Asymmetry : Sometimes a
part of the face maybe overdeveloped or
underdeveloped causing one part of the face
to be small or large. One side of the face
is not in symmetry with the other side giving
an unaesthetic appearance.
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