Our Summary

This study looked at whether the method of planning for orthognathic surgery (surgery that corrects conditions related to the jaw and face) affected how happy patients were after the operation. The two methods compared were computer aided surgical simulation (CASS), which is a virtual planning approach, and analog model surgery, which is a traditional method.

The researchers surveyed patients who had this type of surgery at their hospital over six years. Out of 401 eligible patients, 161 completed the survey.

The results showed that patients who had their surgery planned with the virtual method were significantly more likely to be happy with how they looked after the operation and more likely to say they would have the surgery again. They were also more likely to know that their surgery was planned virtually. There were no significant differences when the results were analyzed based on the specific type of surgery performed.

The study concluded that the virtual planning method, CASS, could lead to better patient satisfaction with their appearance after surgery. Additionally, CASS proved to be a reliable, time-saving, and potentially cost-saving tool for surgeons.

In simple terms, how surgeons plan for jaw and face correction surgeries can affect how happy patients are with the results, with a computer-based planning method leading to better satisfaction.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery?
  2. What is the difference between computer aided surgical simulation (CASS) and analog model surgery in planning orthognathic surgery?
  3. According to the study, how does the use of CASS affect patient satisfaction after orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

So, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to inquire about the planning method being used, and consider opting for a computer aided surgical simulation for potentially better outcomes and increased satisfaction with the results.

Suitable For

Orthognathic surgery is typically recommended for patients who have conditions such as:

  1. Severe misalignment of the jaws causing difficulty with biting, chewing, or speaking
  2. Facial asymmetry due to skeletal discrepancies
  3. Obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing issues related to jaw position
  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders causing pain and dysfunction
  5. Severe overbite or underbite
  6. Facial trauma resulting in jaw misalignment

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if orthognathic surgery is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient consults with orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes various dental and facial scans to assess the condition of the jaw and face.
  3. Surgeon uses traditional analog model surgery or computer aided surgical simulation (CASS) to plan the surgery.
  4. Patient may undergo orthodontic treatment to prepare the teeth for surgery.
  5. Patient receives pre-operative instructions and information about the surgery.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgery to correct the jaw and face alignment.
  2. Patient may experience swelling, pain, and discomfort post-surgery.
  3. Patient follows a specific diet and oral care routine to aid in the healing process.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgical team for monitoring and adjustments.
  5. Patient undergoes orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth.
  6. Patient experiences improved facial aesthetics and function as the jaw and face heal and settle into their new position.
  7. Patient may experience improved confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after the surgery.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after orthognathic surgery involves careful planning, preparation, surgery, recovery, and follow-up care to achieve optimal results and satisfaction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the benefits of using computer aided surgical simulation (CASS) for planning my orthognathic surgery compared to traditional methods?
  2. How will CASS improve the accuracy and precision of my surgery compared to analog model surgery?
  3. Will using CASS result in a faster recovery time and better long-term outcomes for me?
  4. Can you explain the process of how CASS will be used to plan my surgery and how it will impact the final results?
  5. Are there any potential risks or drawbacks associated with using CASS for my surgery?
  6. How experienced are you and your team with using CASS for orthognathic surgeries?
  7. Can you provide any before and after examples of patients who have had their surgery planned with CASS?
  8. What should I expect in terms of post-operative care and follow-up appointments if I choose to have my surgery planned with CASS?
  9. Are there any additional costs associated with using CASS for my surgery that I should be aware of?
  10. How will using CASS benefit me in terms of overall satisfaction with the results and potential future procedures?

Reference

Authors: Bueno S, Hammad Y, Schlieve T. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 Dec;27(4):685-692. doi: 10.1007/s10006-022-01114-6. Epub 2022 Sep 19. PMID: 36121522