Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that compared two types of surgeries used to correct a certain kind of jaw misalignment, known as Class III. The two types of surgeries are single-jaw (setback) surgery and two-jaw (bimaxillary) surgery. The researchers wanted to see which surgery resulted in higher patient satisfaction.

They studied 25 patients who had two-jaw surgery and 40 patients who had single-jaw surgery. They used a type of X-ray called a lateral cephalogram to measure changes in the jaw and surrounding tissues before and after surgery. The patients also filled out questionnaires about how satisfied they were with their treatment.

The results showed that patients who had two-jaw surgery were significantly more satisfied with the appearance of their mouth, their smile, and the overall outcome of the treatment. The researchers also found that certain measurements, such as the ANS-M and the nasolabial angle, were strongly correlated with patient satisfaction in the two-jaw group and moderately correlated in the single-jaw group.

The researchers concluded that these measurements should be taken into account when diagnosing and planning treatment for Class III jaw misalignments. They also suggested that aesthetic considerations are important in deciding which surgery to use for patients with certain kinds of facial deformities.

FAQs

  1. What were the two types of surgeries compared in the study to correct Class III jaw misalignment?
  2. How did the researchers measure patient satisfaction after the surgeries?
  3. What was the conclusion of the research regarding patient satisfaction and the type of surgery for Class III jaw misalignments?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to carefully consider the type of surgery that will best meet their needs and goals. In some cases, two-jaw surgery may result in higher patient satisfaction with the appearance of the mouth and smile compared to single-jaw surgery. It is important to discuss these options with your doctor and consider factors such as aesthetic outcomes and measurements like the ANS-M and nasolabial angle when planning your treatment. Ultimately, the goal of jaw surgery is to improve both function and appearance, so make sure to communicate your preferences and expectations with your healthcare team.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery are those with severe misalignments of the jaws, such as Class III malocclusions. Class III malocclusions occur when the lower jaw protrudes significantly compared to the upper jaw, resulting in an underbite. These patients may experience difficulties with chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as aesthetic concerns about the appearance of their facial profile.

In cases where orthodontic treatment alone is not sufficient to correct the malocclusion, jaw surgery may be recommended to reposition the jaws and improve bite alignment. Patients who are considering jaw surgery should undergo a thorough evaluation by an orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Patients who may benefit from jaw surgery include those with:

  • Severe skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws
  • Difficulty biting or chewing due to malocclusion
  • Speech problems related to jaw misalignment
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  • Aesthetic concerns about the appearance of the facial profile

Ultimately, the decision to undergo jaw surgery should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s individual needs and goals for treatment. Patients should work closely with their orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine the most appropriate surgical approach to correct their jaw misalignment and achieve optimal outcomes.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Patient consults with orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical evaluations and tests, such as X-rays and impressions.
  4. Surgical planning and discussion of potential outcomes.
  5. Patient undergoes jaw surgery, either single-jaw or two-jaw surgery.
  6. Post-operative care and monitoring, including pain management and diet restrictions.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Recovery period, which may include swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
  2. Follow-up appointments with surgeon and orthodontist to monitor progress.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities and diet.
  4. Orthodontic adjustments to fine-tune bite and alignment.
  5. Patient experiences improvements in jaw function, appearance, and overall satisfaction with treatment.
  6. Long-term follow-up to ensure stability of results and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending jaw surgery in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of both function and appearance?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this type of jaw surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or attend any follow-up appointments?
  9. How will the surgery impact my daily activities, such as eating and speaking?
  10. How will the surgery affect the alignment of my teeth and bite?

Reference

Authors: Asada K, Motoyoshi M, Tamura T, Nakajima A, Mayahara K, Shimizu N. Journal: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Nov;148(5):827-37. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.05.021. PMID: 26522044