Our Summary

The research paper is about a study that aimed to check how accurate and valid three different methods are at predicting the changes in facial features after jaw surgery for patients with a particular type of jaw misalignment (Class III).

The three methods tested were: 1) a traditional manual technique, 2) a 2D digital software, and 3) a 3D digital software. These methods were used on images taken of the patients before their surgeries. The predictions from each method were then compared to images taken six months or more after the patients’ surgeries to see how close the predictions were to the actual results.

The study found that all three methods had some difficulty accurately predicting changes in certain facial areas, especially the area just below the nose. However, the 3D software performed the worst, often predicting that a particular area of the upper lip would be further back than it actually was.

The traditional manual method and the 2D software made fairly similar predictions to the final results in about half the measurements taken, but they had problems predicting changes in the nose, mouth, and chin areas.

In conclusion, more work needs to be done to improve the 3D software’s ability to predict changes in the upper lip area following surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the three methods used in the study to predict changes in facial features after jaw surgery?
  2. What difficulties did the 3D software encounter in predicting post-surgery changes?
  3. How did the traditional manual technique and 2D software perform in predicting facial changes following jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing jaw surgery to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerns or unexpected changes in facial features to the medical team for proper evaluation and management. Additionally, patients should be aware that while predictive methods exist, individual results may vary and it is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with Class III jaw misalignment, also known as underbite, are typically recommended jaw surgery. This condition involves the lower jaw protruding further forward than the upper jaw, causing difficulty with biting and chewing, as well as aesthetic concerns with the facial profile.

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is recommended for patients with severe jaw misalignments that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. The surgery involves repositioning the upper and lower jaws to improve both function and appearance.

In some cases, patients with Class II jaw misalignments (overbite) or Class I jaw misalignments (normal bite) may also be recommended jaw surgery if they have significant functional or aesthetic concerns that cannot be addressed with orthodontics alone.

Overall, jaw surgery is typically recommended for patients with significant jaw misalignments that are causing functional issues such as difficulty chewing or speaking, as well as aesthetic concerns related to the facial profile.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after jaw surgery typically includes:

Before surgery:

  • Consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes
  • Pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  • Orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery
  • Discussion and planning of the surgical procedure, including the use of imaging techniques to visualize the expected changes in facial features

After surgery:

  • Recovery period, which may include swelling, bruising, and discomfort
  • Post-operative follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and ensure optimal results
  • Physical therapy or speech therapy, if needed, to help with any changes in jaw function
  • Follow-up imaging to assess the final results of the surgery and compare them to the predictions made before the procedure

Overall, jaw surgery can be a transformative experience for patients with jaw misalignments, improving both their appearance and their overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How accurate are the predictions made by the traditional manual technique, 2D digital software, and 3D digital software in terms of changes to my facial features after jaw surgery?
  2. Are there any specific areas of my face, such as the area just below the nose, where these methods may have difficulty accurately predicting changes?
  3. How much weight should I give to the predictions made by these methods when considering jaw surgery?
  4. Are there any additional imaging techniques or methods that could provide more accurate predictions for my specific case?
  5. How important is it to have accurate predictions of facial changes before undergoing jaw surgery?
  6. Will the predictions made by these methods impact the surgical plan or techniques used during my jaw surgery?
  7. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with inaccurate predictions of facial changes after jaw surgery?
  8. How often do you rely on these predictive methods in your practice, and have you seen any trends in their accuracy based on past patients?
  9. How do the predictions made by these methods compare to the actual results of past patients who have undergone jaw surgery?
  10. Are there any limitations to these predictive methods that I should be aware of before making a decision about jaw surgery?

Reference

Authors: Demirsoy KK, Kurt G. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2022 Mar 1;88(3):323-329. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002988. PMID: 34670968