Our Summary

This study looks at two different types of surgery to correct a specific type of jaw misalignment, known as class III malocclusion. The researchers wanted to see whether surgery on one jaw or both jaws was more effective. They used 3D simulations to create several different surgical plans for 100 patients who had undergone this kind of surgery between 2016 and 2021. They then compared the results of these plans.

The findings showed that the single-jaw surgery improved many measurements and symmetry of the face. However, when they advanced the upper jaw alone, it caused it to stick out and reduced facial symmetry. The two-jaw surgery gave results that were closer to what is considered normal, improved symmetry, and caused less tilt in the bite.

In conclusion, the two-jaw surgery made the face look better in terms of symmetry, proportion, and profile. The researchers suggest that while the best surgical plan should be decided on a case-by-case basis, two-jaw surgery could be a good option for improving the overall look and balance of the face.

FAQs

  1. What is the class III malocclusion that the study is focused on?
  2. Based on the study, which type of surgery - single jaw or two-jaw - produced better results in terms of facial symmetry and proportion?
  3. How did the researchers determine the effectiveness of the two types of surgeries in treating class III malocclusion?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient considering jaw surgery to discuss with their surgeon the option of two-jaw surgery for better overall facial symmetry and balance. This type of surgery may provide more optimal results in terms of aesthetics and functional improvements compared to single-jaw surgery. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about the potential benefits and risks of different surgical options before making a decision.

Suitable For

Patients who typically undergo jaw surgery are those with severe jaw misalignments, such as class III malocclusion, which can cause issues with chewing, speaking, and overall facial aesthetics. These patients may have tried other treatments such as braces or orthodontics without success in correcting the misalignment. Additionally, patients with obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties related to jaw misalignment may also be recommended for jaw surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo jaw surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can assess the individual patient’s needs and determine the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the potential outcomes.
  2. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  3. Pre-operative medical evaluations to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  4. Planning and preparation for the surgery, including creating 3D simulations to determine the best surgical plan.
  5. Informed consent process to ensure the patient understands the risks and benefits of the surgery.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Post-operative recovery period, which may include pain management and swelling.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust any orthodontic appliances.
  3. Continued orthodontic treatment to finalize the alignment of the teeth and bite.
  4. Physical therapy to improve jaw function and reduce stiffness.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the results of the surgery and address any issues that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of jaw misalignment do I have, and how will jaw surgery correct it?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of jaw surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need braces before or after jaw surgery?
  5. How will jaw surgery affect my facial symmetry and overall appearance?
  6. Are there alternative treatments to jaw surgery that I should consider?
  7. How many jaw surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need additional follow-up appointments or treatments after jaw surgery?
  9. What is the cost of jaw surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
  10. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have undergone jaw surgery for a similar condition?

Reference

Authors: Hattori Y, Pai BC, Lo CC, Chou PY, Lo LJ. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2024 May;52(5):612-618. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2024.02.023. Epub 2024 Feb 16. PMID: 38448337