Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted to see if a digitally created bite alignment (occlusion) is as accurate as a traditionally made one. The study involved 17 patients who were undergoing jaw surgery. Their dental models were created in plaster and then digitized. Two experienced observers made both the traditional and digital versions of the bite alignment, to see if there was any difference in their observations. One of them made the alignments again to see if they got the same result each time.

The researchers used a statistical test to see if there was any significant difference between the observers and the methods of creating the bite alignment. They found no significant differences.

The difference between the traditional and digital method was very small, less than a quarter of a millimeter. Therefore, the study concluded that the digital method can be used in everyday clinical practice and eliminates the need for physical dental models. This research is in the area of computer-aided design, high-speed dental techniques, dental records, orthodontics, and jaw surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the objective of this study on orthognathic surgery and bite alignment?
  2. What was the outcome of the research regarding the accuracy of digitally created bite alignments compared to traditionally made ones?
  3. Can the digital method of creating bite alignments be used in everyday clinical practice?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include instructions on diet, pain management, oral hygiene, and activity restrictions. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or complications with your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Orthognathic surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites. These patients may experience difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as facial asymmetry and jaw pain. Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have finished growing, usually around age 18 for women and age 21 for men.

Patients who have tried other treatments, such as braces or orthodontic appliances, without success may also be recommended for orthognathic surgery. Additionally, patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea, or facial trauma may benefit from orthognathic surgery to correct their underlying issues.

Overall, orthognathic surgery is recommended for patients who have significant functional and aesthetic concerns related to their bite alignment and jaw position. These patients may undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and other specialists, to determine if orthognathic surgery is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and create a treatment plan.
  2. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical testing and evaluations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and dental impressions.
  4. Surgical planning and simulation using digital imaging technology to determine the optimal surgical approach.
  5. Pre-operative appointments to discuss the surgery, expected outcomes, and post-operative care instructions.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Recovery period immediately following surgery, typically spent in the hospital for monitoring.
  2. Post-operative pain management and swelling reduction strategies.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and progress.
  4. Post-surgical orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite alignment and achieve optimal results.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the stability of the surgical results and address any potential issues that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of using a digitally created bite alignment compared to a traditional method?
  2. What is the accuracy level of the digitally created bite alignment compared to the traditional method?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with orthognathic surgery that I should be aware of?
  4. What is the recovery process like after orthognathic surgery and how long will it take?
  5. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or attend any follow-up appointments?
  6. How will orthognathic surgery improve my bite alignment and overall oral health?
  7. What are the expected outcomes and long-term results of orthognathic surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to orthognathic surgery that I should consider?
  9. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative tests or evaluations that need to be done before undergoing orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Baan F, van Meggelen EM, Verhulst AC, Bruggink R, Xi T, Maal TJJ. Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Sep;50(9):1219-1225. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2020.12.006. Epub 2020 Dec 25. PMID: 33358521