Our Summary

This research paper is a review of various studies on treatments for a specific type of dental misalignment known as skeletal class III malocclusion. The researchers wanted to see if there was a difference in success between two types of surgery: single-jaw and two-jaw procedures.

They searched through various databases for relevant studies up until October 2020 and used two independent reviewers to select and analyze the data. They only included studies that had been followed up on for at least one year after treatment.

The researchers found no significant difference between the two types of surgery in terms of how well they corrected the dental misalignment. But, they did find that there was a bit more short-term relapse in the single-jaw surgeries. However, this wasn’t seen in long-term follow-ups (5 or more years after treatment).

In conclusion, the review suggests that both types of surgery are similar in effectiveness, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of this research paper?
  2. Did the researchers find any significant difference between single-jaw and two-jaw surgeries in correcting dental misalignment?
  3. What was the key finding in terms of short-term relapse between single-jaw and two-jaw surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering jaw surgery that both single-jaw and two-jaw procedures are effective in correcting skeletal class III malocclusion. They may also advise the patient that while there may be slightly more short-term relapse with single-jaw surgery, this typically evens out in the long-term. It is important for the patient to discuss the potential risks and benefits of each type of surgery with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

Suitable For

Patients with skeletal class III malocclusion, also known as a protruding lower jaw or underbite, are typically recommended for jaw surgery. This condition can cause functional and aesthetic issues, such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, and a less-than-ideal facial appearance.

Jaw surgery is often recommended for patients with severe skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. The decision to undergo jaw surgery is typically made by a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and other dental professionals based on the severity of the malocclusion and the patient’s overall oral health.

In the case of the research paper mentioned above, patients with skeletal class III malocclusion who underwent either single-jaw or two-jaw surgery were included in the studies analyzed. These patients likely had significant skeletal discrepancies that required surgical intervention to correct.

Overall, jaw surgery is recommended for patients with severe skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. It is important for patients to consult with a team of dental professionals to determine the best treatment plan for their specific case.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Patient consults with orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Orthodontic treatment such as braces may be recommended to align teeth prior to surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical evaluation including dental and medical exams, imaging studies, and possibly orthognathic planning
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes such as adjusting diet and oral hygiene practices leading up to surgery

After jaw surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to correct skeletal class III malocclusion
  • Recovery period includes pain management, swelling, and a liquid diet for a certain period of time
  • Follow-up appointments with orthodontist and oral surgeon to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed
  • Patient may require post-operative orthodontic treatment to fine-tune bite alignment
  • Long-term follow-up appointments to monitor stability of results and address any potential relapse issues

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 the surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. How long will I need to be off work or school following the surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow a specific diet or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected results of the surgery in terms of correcting my dental misalignment?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgeon in performing this type of jaw surgery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any potential side effects?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last and will I need any additional treatments in the future?
  10. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery and how often will I need to see the doctor for check-ups?

Reference

Authors: Rizk MZ, Torgersbråten N, Mohammed H, Franzen TJ, Vandevska-Radunovic V. Journal: Orthod Craniofac Res. 2021 Aug;24(3):314-327. doi: 10.1111/ocr.12456. Epub 2020 Dec 20. PMID: 33305502