Our Summary

This research paper is a review of the changes to the size of a person’s airway (the tube that we breathe through) following different types of jaw surgery. The researchers looked at studies that used 3D imaging to measure the volume of the airway before and after the operation. They found that when the lower jaw is moved back, the size of the airway usually decreases. However, when either the upper or lower jaw is moved forward, or both are moved forward, or the upper jaw is widened, the size of the airway generally increases. The biggest increase was seen when both jaws were moved forward. These changes could be important for people who have problems with sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. The paper also highlighted that there are differences in the ways researchers define and measure the airway, which makes it harder to compare studies. They call for a more consistent approach to this measurement.

FAQs

  1. How does orthognathic surgery affect the size of a person’s airway?
  2. How can changes in the airway size due to jaw surgery impact those with sleep apnea?
  3. Why is there a need for a more consistent approach to measuring the airway in orthognathic surgery studies?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing orthognathic surgery that the changes to the size of their airway following the procedure could potentially improve their breathing and help with conditions like sleep apnea. It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor any changes in their airway size and overall health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery are those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws)
  2. Facial asymmetry
  3. Difficulty chewing or biting
  4. Speech problems
  5. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  6. Obstructive sleep apnea
  7. Facial trauma or injury
  8. Congenital abnormalities (such as cleft lip and palate)
  9. Aesthetic concerns related to the shape or size of the jaw

Orthognathic surgery can help to improve the function and appearance of the jaw and face, as well as address any underlying medical issues such as sleep apnea.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary.
  2. Patient may undergo orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical planning and imaging, such as X-rays and 3D scans, are conducted to determine the surgical plan.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-surgical orthodontic adjustments to further prepare the jaws for surgery.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which involves moving the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct alignment issues.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital for a few days following surgery to ensure proper healing and manage pain.
  3. Patient may need to follow a liquid or soft diet for a period of time to allow the jaws to heal.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon and orthodontist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
  5. Patient may undergo post-surgical orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and ensure optimal results.
  6. Over time, the patient experiences improved facial symmetry, bite function, and overall facial aesthetics as the jaws heal and settle into their new position.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of orthognathic surgery for my specific case?
  2. How will the surgery impact the size and function of my airway?
  3. Will orthognathic surgery improve any breathing difficulties I may be experiencing, such as sleep apnea?
  4. What are the expected outcomes in terms of facial aesthetics and functional improvements?
  5. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the healing period?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for orthognathic surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery, and what is your success rate?
  8. What type of imaging or measurements will be used to plan and evaluate the surgery’s impact on my airway?
  9. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery to optimize the results?
  10. Are there any long-term considerations or potential complications I should be aware of following orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Steegman R, Hogeveen F, Schoeman A, Ren Y. Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 Jan;52(1):60-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2022.05.013. Epub 2022 Jul 1. PMID: 35788289