Our Summary

This article reviews various treatments used to correct irregular alignment of the teeth, often in combination with surgery. It discusses a new trend where surgeons and orthodontists are choosing to do surgery first before applying braces, instead of the traditional method of braces before surgery. This approach brings immediate improvements in the patient’s appearance and shortens the overall treatment time. The use of virtual planning tools has made this new approach more feasible by making surgical planning quicker and easier. Additionally, using real-time guidance during surgery helps increase accuracy and improves results. The paper emphasizes that it’s important for doctors to be up-to-date with all available methods to create the best treatment plan for each patient. New techniques such as 3D printing, real-time surgical guidance, virtual planning, and surgery-first orthodontics are improving treatment times and patient satisfaction without compromising long-term results.

FAQs

  1. What is the new trend in jaw surgery and orthodontics?
  2. How has technology, such as virtual planning tools and real-time guidance, impacted jaw surgery?
  3. What are the benefits of the surgery-first approach in orthodontics?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include guidelines for pain management, diet restrictions, oral hygiene, and follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerns or complications to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and following a soft diet during the recovery period can help promote healing and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with:

  • Severe misalignment of the teeth and jaws
  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • Chronic jaw pain or TMJ disorders
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Sleep apnea or other breathing issues related to jaw position
  • Inability to close lips comfortably
  • Open bite or overbite
  • Underbite or crossbite
  • Protruding or receding jaw

It is important for patients to consult with a team of orthodontists and oral surgeons to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs. The use of new techniques and technologies in surgical planning and guidance can improve outcomes and reduce overall treatment time, leading to increased patient satisfaction.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Initial consultation: The patient meets with a surgeon to discuss their concerns and determine if surgery is necessary.

  2. Orthodontic treatment: The patient may undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth and align their jaws before surgery.

  3. Pre-surgical planning: The surgeon uses imaging techniques such as CT scans and 3D models to plan the surgery and determine the best approach.

  4. Surgery: The patient undergoes jaw surgery to correct any issues with their bite, alignment, or appearance.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Initial recovery: The patient experiences swelling, pain, and discomfort in the days following surgery and may need to follow a liquid or soft food diet.

  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments.

  3. Orthodontic treatment: The patient may continue orthodontic treatment to fine-tune their bite and alignment after surgery.

  4. Long-term results: Over time, the patient experiences improved bite function, facial appearance, and overall satisfaction with the results of their jaw surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after jaw surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to have braces before or after the surgery, or is the surgery-first approach recommended for my case?
  4. How will the surgery impact my facial appearance and will there be any visible scarring?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of functional improvements and aesthetic changes?
  6. How will my bite be affected by the surgery and what adjustments will need to be made post-surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition besides jaw surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing jaw surgeries, and what is their success rate?
  9. Will I need to follow a specific diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  10. What kind of follow-up care and monitoring will be necessary after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Strohl AM, Vitkus L. Journal: Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Aug;25(4):332-336. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000371. PMID: 28538022