Our Summary

This research paper discusses recent advancements in orthodontic treatment, specifically the use of temporary skeletal anchorage. This method has helped to correct severe dental and facial irregularities, which in the past could only be treated with invasive surgery. The technique lets orthodontists move teeth against a strong brace or anchor, providing more precise movement of teeth and helping to modify growth. This has improved the way orthodontists plan treatment and increased cooperation between orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons. The study focuses on techniques involving strong braces or anchors for treatment.

FAQs

  1. What are the recent advancements in orthodontic treatment discussed in this research paper?
  2. How has the use of temporary skeletal anchorage improved orthodontic treatment planning?
  3. How does the use of strong braces or anchors in orthodontic treatment help in modifying growth and correcting severe dental and facial irregularities?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, maintaining a soft diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a successful outcome from your jaw surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those with severe dental and facial irregularities, such as:

  1. Severe malocclusions: Patients with severe misalignment of the teeth and jaws, such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites, may require jaw surgery to correct the alignment.

  2. Facial asymmetry: Patients with facial asymmetry, such as a misaligned jaw or chin, may benefit from jaw surgery to improve their facial aesthetics.

  3. Breathing problems: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties due to jaw misalignment may require jaw surgery to improve their airway and breathing.

  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with severe TMJ disorders that cannot be managed with conservative treatments may require jaw surgery to correct the underlying structural issues.

  5. Traumatic injuries: Patients who have experienced traumatic injuries to the jaw, such as fractures or dislocations, may require jaw surgery to repair the damage and restore function.

Overall, jaw surgery is recommended for patients with severe dental and facial irregularities that cannot be effectively treated with orthodontic braces or other conservative treatments. These patients may benefit from the use of temporary skeletal anchorage in combination with jaw surgery to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an orthodontist to assess the patient’s dental and facial irregularities.
  2. Treatment planning, which may include braces or other orthodontic appliances to prepare the teeth for surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and jaws in preparation for surgery.
  4. Consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the surgical procedure and expected outcomes.
  5. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Post-operative care, including pain management and instructions for caring for the surgical site.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
  3. Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the alignment of the teeth and jaws.
  4. Regular dental visits to maintain oral health and monitor the results of the surgery.
  5. Long-term follow-up to ensure the stability of the surgical results and address any potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of jaw surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after jaw surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any medications after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of improving my dental and facial irregularities?
  6. How will the surgery affect my ability to speak, chew, and breathe?
  7. Will I need any additional orthodontic treatment before or after the surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery procedures?
  9. Can you provide me with any before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar jaw surgeries?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before moving forward with jaw surgery?

Reference

Authors: Jones JP, Elnagar MH, Perez DE. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Feb;32(1):27-37. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Nov 1. PMID: 31685345