Our Summary

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is used to fix severe deformities of the teeth and face, and is becoming more popular for cosmetic reasons. Being able to accurately predict what a patient will look like after the surgery is very important for choosing the best treatment plan and making sure the patient is happy with the results. In this study, we introduce a new model, GPOSC-Net, that can create images of what a patient might look like after surgery based on information gathered before the surgery.

The model has two main parts: one part predicts changes in certain key measurements of the skull after surgery, and the other part uses these predictions to create realistic images of what the patient’s skull might look like after the surgery. We tested our model using a variety of patient data, a test to see if the images could fool a human observer, and a simulation study.

Our results show that the model can accurately predict key measurements and create realistic images after surgery. This tool could be very useful for planning surgeries. By improving accuracy and visualization, our model could help doctors make better decisions and improve communication with their patients.

FAQs

  1. What is Orthognathic surgery and why is it performed?
  2. What is the purpose of the GPOSC-Net model in the context of Orthognathic surgery?
  3. How does the GPOSC-Net model contribute to improving surgical planning and patient communication?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper oral hygiene and a soft diet to promote healing. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, maintaining good overall health, including proper nutrition and avoiding smoking, can aid in the healing process and optimize surgical outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from jaw surgery include those with severe skeletal discrepancies, such as:

  • Class II or Class III malocclusions
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Open bite or deep bite
  • Protruding or retruding jaws
  • Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw misalignment

In addition to functional issues, patients with aesthetic concerns such as a receding chin or a gummy smile may also seek orthognathic surgery for cosmetic reasons. It is important for patients to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by an orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if jaw surgery is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon or orthodontist to discuss treatment options and determine the need for surgery.
  2. Pre-operative orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical planning, including imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans to assess the extent of the deformity and plan the surgical approach.
  4. Discussion of the surgical procedure, potential risks and complications, and expected outcomes with the patient.
  5. Pre-operative medical evaluation to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Surgery is performed to correct the jaw deformity, often involving repositioning of the upper and lower jaws and possibly the chin.
  2. Recovery period, which may include pain, swelling, and difficulty eating and speaking for a few weeks.
  3. Post-operative follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust orthodontic treatment as needed.
  4. Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth.
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor the stability of the surgical results and address any potential issues that may arise.

Overall, the patient experiences a period of preparation, surgery, recovery, and long-term follow-up before and after jaw surgery to correct dentofacial deformities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific jaw deformity or issue are we addressing with this surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific dietary restrictions or post-operative care instructions?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  7. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need to have any additional procedures done before or after the jaw surgery?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last and will I need any follow-up procedures in the future?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar jaw surgery procedures?

Reference

Authors: Kim IH, Jeong J, Kim JS, Lim J, Cho JH, Hong M, Kang KH, Kim M, Kim SJ, Kim YJ, Sung SJ, Kim YH, Lim SH, Baek SH, Park JW, Kim N. Journal: Nat Commun. 2025 Mar 16;16(1):2586. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-57669-x. PMID: 40091067