Our Summary

This research paper is about a 26-year-old man who had a gap between his upper and lower front teeth when his mouth was closed, a condition known as an anterior open bite. To fix this problem, a combination of braces and a double jaw surgery was used. After 19 months of treatment, his teeth alignment and the overall look of his face were greatly improved.

FAQs

  1. What was the age of the patient treated with orthodontics combined with 2-jaw surgery in this case?
  2. How long was the total treatment time for the 26-year-old man who underwent 2-jaw surgery?
  3. What improvements were observed after the surgical-orthodontic treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about jaw surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. This may include maintaining a soft diet, practicing good oral hygiene, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that could put strain on the jaw. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the medical team promptly.

Suitable For

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is typically recommended for patients with severe malocclusions or skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. Common types of patients who may benefit from jaw surgery include:

  1. Patients with severe underbites or overbites
  2. Patients with open bites or crossbites
  3. Patients with facial asymmetry due to skeletal discrepancies
  4. Patients with difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to their jaw alignment
  5. Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that are caused by skeletal discrepancies
  6. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea that is related to their jaw alignment

It is important for patients considering jaw surgery to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a team of orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other dental specialists to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before Jaw Surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an orthodontist to assess the jaw alignment and discuss treatment options.
  2. Orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare for surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical orthodontic planning and evaluation of the bite.
  4. Consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the surgical procedure.
  5. Pre-operative appointments and tests to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

After Jaw Surgery:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital immediately following surgery.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust any necessary treatments.
  3. Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and align the teeth.
  4. Monitoring of the jaw alignment and function in the months following surgery.
  5. Final evaluation of the treatment outcome and assessment of any further orthodontic or dental work needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  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 follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes after jaw surgery?
  4. How will jaw surgery affect my speech and chewing abilities?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. Will I need to wear braces before and/or after the surgery?
  7. How long will the results of the jaw surgery last?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments to jaw surgery that I should consider?
  9. How much pain and discomfort can I expect after the surgery, and what pain management options will be available to me?
  10. What is the success rate for jaw surgery in patients with my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Park JH, Papademetriou M, Gardiner C, Grubb J. Journal: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2019 Jan;155(1):108-116.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2017.07.027. PMID: 30591154