Our Summary

This study looked at changes in the teeth and gums of people with a certain type of facial deformity who had braces and jaw surgery to correct it. The researchers were interested in how the teeth moved and whether this caused any gum damage. They took X-rays and made 3D images of the teeth before the braces were put on and again before the surgery.

They found that the braces did cause the teeth to move in a certain way, which is what they expected. However, they also found that this movement can sometimes harm the gums. They looked at 208 teeth in total and found that many of them had some kind of gum damage. Interestingly, they did not find any connection between the amount the teeth moved and the likelihood of gum damage.

In simple terms, they found that braces can sometimes cause gum problems in people who are getting ready to have jaw surgery, but it’s not predictable based on how much the teeth move.

The study didn’t find any differences between men and women.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of this study involving jaw surgery and braces?
  2. How do braces impact the gums, according to this research?
  3. Was there any correlation found between the amount of teeth movement and the likelihood of gum damage?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about jaw surgery is to maintain good oral hygiene before and after the surgery. This includes brushing and flossing regularly to prevent gum disease and other issues that could be exacerbated by the braces and jaw movement. Additionally, the patient should follow any post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for jaw surgery typically have severe facial deformities that affect their bite, facial symmetry, and overall appearance. Common reasons for jaw surgery include:

  1. Severe malocclusions (misalignment of the teeth and jaws)
  2. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  3. Overbite or underbite
  4. Facial asymmetry
  5. Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw misalignment
  6. Sleep apnea or other breathing problems related to jaw structure

Patients who are experiencing significant functional or aesthetic issues due to their jaw alignment may be recommended for jaw surgery by their orthodontist or oral surgeon. Prior to surgery, patients may undergo orthodontic treatment with braces to align the teeth and prepare for the surgical procedure.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery, a patient typically undergoes orthodontic treatment with braces to align their teeth in preparation for the surgery. This process can take several months to a few years, depending on the severity of the jaw misalignment. During this time, regular visits to the orthodontist are necessary to adjust the braces and monitor progress.

Prior to the surgery, the patient will also have consultations with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Pre-surgical orthodontic records, such as X-rays and 3D imaging, are taken to assist in planning the surgical treatment.

After the jaw surgery, the patient will experience swelling, discomfort, and limited ability to open their mouth. A liquid or soft diet may be necessary for a period of time while the jaw heals. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection.

Follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon and orthodontist are scheduled to monitor the healing process and make any necessary adjustments to the braces. Physical therapy may be recommended to improve jaw function and reduce stiffness.

Over time, as the jaw heals and the braces continue to adjust the bite, the patient will gradually regain full function of their jaw and see improvements in their facial appearance. Ultimately, the goal of jaw surgery is to correct the underlying structural issues causing the misalignment and improve the overall function and aesthetics of the patient’s jaw.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific changes will be made to my jaw during the surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  3. How will jaw surgery impact my bite and overall oral health in the long term?
  4. Will I need to wear braces before or after the surgery, and for how long?
  5. How long is the recovery process after jaw surgery?
  6. What kind of post-operative care will I need to follow?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to jaw surgery that I should consider?
  8. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery procedures?
  9. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar jaw surgeries?
  10. What is the success rate of jaw surgery for patients with my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Kurt Demirsoy K, Türker G, Amuk M, Kurt G. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Sep;123(4):e133-e139. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2022.03.009. Epub 2022 Mar 6. PMID: 35263684