Our Summary

This study aimed to understand whether the benefits of a specific type of jaw surgery, called orthognathic surgery, are greater than its risks for young people. The researchers searched for relevant studies from various databases until February 1, 2022. They were interested in understanding if young people with jaw deformities who received this surgery before they finished growing had more overall benefits than potential risks.

The researchers found 15 articles that met their criteria - these included retrospective studies (looking back at data from the past), case reports (detailed reports on specific instances), and surveys. The topics of these articles varied, including things like functional needs, quality of life after surgery, impact on growth, connections with other types of jaw surgery, the earliest age for surgery suggested by orthodontists, and complex deformities.

Because these articles were too different from each other, the researchers couldn’t combine the data into one analysis. However, it seems like the available evidence shows the surgery can improve the quality of life for young individuals, even if there’s a chance they might need a second surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery and who is it intended for?
  2. What types of studies did the researchers consider in their research on orthognathic surgery?
  3. According to the research, what are the potential benefits and risks of orthognathic surgery for young individuals?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to carefully follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This can help ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, it’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have throughout the surgical process.

Suitable For

Orthognathic surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe jaw deformities, such as:

  1. Overbite or underbite: When the upper or lower jaw protrudes significantly, causing misalignment of the teeth.
  2. Open bite: When the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed.
  3. Crossbite: When the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
  4. Facial asymmetry: When one side of the face is significantly different from the other side.
  5. Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw misalignment.

Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have completed their growth spurt, typically around the late teens or early twenties. This is because the surgery may affect facial growth and development, so it is important for patients to have stopped growing before undergoing orthognathic surgery. Additionally, patients should have good oral health and be committed to following post-operative care instructions to ensure successful outcomes.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary.
  2. Pre-surgical planning, which may include dental impressions, x-rays, and other diagnostic tests.
  3. Orthodontic treatment to align the teeth in preparation for surgery.
  4. Pre-operative appointments to discuss the surgery procedure, risks, and recovery process.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Recovery period, which may involve swelling, pain, and difficulty eating solid foods.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon and orthodontist to monitor healing and adjust orthodontic treatment.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities, including resuming a normal diet and oral hygiene routine.
  4. Long-term follow-up to monitor the stability of the surgical results and address any potential complications.
  5. Improved facial symmetry, bite alignment, and overall function of the jaw and teeth.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential benefits of orthognathic surgery for my specific jaw deformity?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after orthognathic surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  5. What are the long-term outcomes of orthognathic surgery for young patients?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for my jaw deformity?
  7. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery and what is your success rate?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  9. Will I need to follow a specific diet or exercise regimen before or after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any before-and-after photos or testimonials from previous patients who have undergone orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Grillo R, Gomes B, Reis T, Candido IR, Miloro M, Borba AM. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2023 Jan;51(1):60-66. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2023.01.004. Epub 2023 Jan 13. PMID: 36658055