Our Summary

This research paper looks at two different treatments for borderline class III malocclusion, a condition where the lower jaw is too far forward compared to the upper jaw. The two treatments are orthodontic camouflage (OC) and orthodontic-orthognathic surgical (OOS) treatment.

The researchers analyzed previous studies on the topic, specifically looking at changes to the bone, teeth, and soft tissue of the face before and after each treatment. They found that OC tends to push the teeth in the upper jaw forward and the teeth in the lower jaw backward, while the OOS treatment tends to push the upper jaw forward and the lower jaw backward.

One challenge is that the studies they looked at were quite different from each other, making it hard to combine the results to draw definitive conclusions. They recommend that more research needs to be done, using consistent methods, to better compare these two treatments.

This research helps doctors and patients make more informed decisions about the best treatment for this condition, based on scientific evidence rather than personal preference.

FAQs

  1. What is borderline class III malocclusion?
  2. What are the two treatments for borderline class III malocclusion discussed in the research paper?
  3. Why do the researchers recommend more studies need to be done on these treatments?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. This may include sticking to a soft diet, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the medical team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusion, facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorders, and other skeletal abnormalities of the jaw. These patients may have tried other treatments such as braces or orthodontic appliances without success, and jaw surgery may be necessary to correct their condition and improve their quality of life.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Patient meets with orthodontist to discuss treatment options
  • Orthodontic treatment begins to align teeth in preparation for surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical evaluations and imaging to determine the extent of the jaw misalignment
  • Surgery date is scheduled and pre-operative instructions are given to the patient
  • Patient undergoes jaw surgery, which can involve repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both
  • Patient is monitored closely post-surgery for any complications

After jaw surgery:

  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty eating in the days following surgery
  • Patient follows a strict diet of soft foods to allow the jaw to heal properly
  • Orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the alignment of the teeth
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon and orthodontist to monitor progress
  • Over time, the patient’s bite improves and facial aesthetics are enhanced
  • Patient may need to wear retainers or other appliances to maintain the results of the surgery
  • Patient experiences improved function and aesthetics of the jaw and face, leading to a better quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about jaw surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after jaw surgery?
  3. Will I need to wear braces before and/or after the surgery?
  4. How will jaw surgery improve my bite and overall facial appearance?
  5. What are the expected long-term results of jaw surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to jaw surgery for my condition?
  7. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery procedures?
  8. Will I need to follow a specific diet or oral hygiene routine after the surgery?
  9. How will jaw surgery impact my speech and chewing ability?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous jaw surgery patients you have treated?

Reference

Authors: Alhammadi MS, Almashraqi AA, Khadhi AH, Arishi KA, Alamir AA, Beleges EM, Halboub E. Journal: Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Nov;26(11):6443-6455. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04685-6. Epub 2022 Sep 13. PMID: 36098813