Our Summary

This research aimed to understand the effect of combined orthodontic and surgical treatment on patients’ oral health quality of life, depending on the type of dentofacial deformities they have. The researchers looked at studies that measured oral health quality of life before and after orthognathic (jaw-alignment) surgery, focusing on results for Class II and III deformities. They found that, overall, patients showed significant improvement 4-7 months after surgery, regardless of whether they had Class II or III deformities. However, they found that Class III patients had a greater improvement in functional limitation than Class II patients. Despite these findings, the researchers concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to confidently say that the impact on oral health quality of life after surgery differs between Class II and III patients. However, the results do suggest that Class II patients may see less improvement in certain areas.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of this research on orthognathic surgery?
  2. What improvements were observed in patients with Class II and III deformities after orthognathic surgery?
  3. Can we conclude if orthognathic surgery has a different impact on oral health quality of life for Class II and III patients based on this research?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include maintaining good oral hygiene, following a soft diet, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding certain activities that could interfere with the healing process. Additionally, it’s important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider throughout the recovery period.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery include those with severe skeletal discrepancies, such as Class II or Class III malocclusions (overbite or underbite), facial asymmetry, open bite, crossbite, or other significant jaw misalignments. These conditions can result in difficulty chewing, speaking, breathing, or sleeping, as well as aesthetic concerns. Orthognathic surgery can help to correct these issues and improve both the function and appearance of the jaw and face. In some cases, orthognathic surgery may also be recommended for patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or obstructive sleep apnea. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine if they are good candidates for orthognathic surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options
  2. Orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery
  3. Pre-surgical orthodontic decompensation to move teeth into the correct position for surgery
  4. Pre-surgical orthodontic records, including X-rays, photographs, and impressions
  5. Surgical planning and consultation with the oral surgeon
  6. Pre-operative appointments and discussions with the surgical team
  7. Pre-surgical orthodontic adjustments to finalize tooth positioning

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care in the hospital or surgical center
  2. Recovery period, including pain management and swelling reduction
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and progress
  4. Gradual resumption of normal activities and diet
  5. Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune tooth alignment
  6. Monitoring of bite and jaw function post-surgery
  7. Long-term follow-up appointments to ensure stability of results and address any issues that may arise

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific type of dentofacial deformity do I have and how will orthognathic surgery help correct it?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the post-operative period?
  4. How long will I need to wear braces before and after surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with orthognathic surgery?
  6. What are the long-term effects of orthognathic surgery on my oral health and overall well-being?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  8. What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery for patients with similar dentofacial deformities?
  9. What lifestyle changes or adjustments will I need to make before and after surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar orthognathic procedures?

Reference

Authors: Duarte V, Zaror C, Villanueva J, Andreo M, Dallaserra M, Salazar J, Pont À, Ferrer M. Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 9;19(4):1940. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19041940. PMID: 35206128