Our Summary

This study looked at 16 cases of jaw surgery that also used a clear teeth aligning system as part of the treatment. Most of the patients were women, and on average, they were around 27 years old. The most common issue was a specific type of misaligned bite, most often caused by the lower jaw being too far back. More than half of the patients had surgery on just one jaw. In over 80% of the cases, small buttons and bands were used to keep the upper and lower jaws in place. The average treatment time was about 19 months, and the follow-up period after surgery ranged from 6 months to 10 years. The results of the surgery and clear aligners were good and there was no damage caused by the treatment. Since clear aligners are less noticeable, removable, and might be more liked by patients than traditional braces, using them as part of jaw surgery could be a good alternative to traditional braces.

FAQs

  1. What was the most common issue that necessitated orthognathic surgery in the study?
  2. How were the upper and lower jaws kept in place during the treatment?
  3. How does the use of clear aligners in orthognathic surgery compare to the use of traditional braces?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including maintaining proper oral hygiene, attending follow-up appointments, and sticking to a soft food diet as recommended. It is also important to wear any prescribed orthodontic appliances, such as clear aligners, as directed to ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, staying in touch with your healthcare provider and addressing any concerns or questions promptly can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery are those with severe malocclusion (misaligned bite) that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. This includes patients with issues such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or asymmetry in the jaws. Other factors that may indicate the need for orthognathic surgery include difficulty chewing or speaking, breathing problems, chronic jaw pain, and facial asymmetry.

In the study mentioned above, the patients had a specific type of misaligned bite where the lower jaw was too far back, which required surgical intervention to correct. The use of clear teeth aligners in conjunction with jaw surgery allowed for more discreet treatment and potentially improved patient satisfaction compared to traditional braces.

Overall, orthognathic surgery is recommended for patients with significant jaw discrepancies that cannot be fully addressed with orthodontic treatment alone. It is important for patients to consult with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine if orthognathic surgery is the best treatment option for their specific case.

Timeline

Before Orthognathic Surgery:

  • Patient consults with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Orthodontic treatment may be recommended to align teeth prior to surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to prepare the teeth and jaws for surgery
  • Comprehensive evaluation and planning of the surgery is done, including 3D imaging and virtual surgical planning
  • Patient undergoes general anesthesia during the surgery, which can take several hours depending on the complexity of the case

After Orthognathic Surgery:

  • Patient may experience swelling, pain, and discomfort for the first few days after surgery
  • Patient is put on a liquid or soft food diet for a period of time to allow the jaw to heal
  • Patient may need to wear elastics or other appliances to maintain the new jaw position post-surgery
  • Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist and oral surgeon are scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments
  • Patient may need to undergo post-surgical orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth
  • Full recovery from orthognathic surgery can take several months, with some patients experiencing numbness or changes in sensation in the face and jaw for a period of time

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing orthognathic surgery can vary depending on the individual case, but typically involves a combination of pre-surgical orthodontic treatment, the surgical procedure itself, and post-surgical orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific issues or concerns do I have with my jaw alignment that would benefit from orthognathic surgery?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  3. What is the expected timeline for treatment, including surgery, recovery, and follow-up appointments?
  4. Will I need to wear braces or clear aligners before or after surgery, and for how long?
  5. How will my bite and facial appearance be improved after surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what can I expect in terms of pain management?
  7. Are there any dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes I should be aware of before or after surgery?
  8. Will I need to take time off work or school for the surgery and recovery period?
  9. How often will I need to come in for follow-up appointments after surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for correcting my jaw alignment issues?

Reference

Authors: Miranda SL, Oliveira MR, Cheim Júnior AP, Moreno R, Miranda MVF, Barbosa RLL. Journal: Gen Dent. 2023 Jan-Feb;71(1):66-70. PMID: 36592362