Our Summary

This research looked at how people with issues related to the structure of their face and teeth, who have had surgery to correct these problems, think about their quality of life afterward. The study asked 10 patients to fill out several questionnaires that measure quality of life in different ways, including their health, how they feel about their teeth and mouth, and their overall quality of life after surgery. The study also asked these patients about their self-esteem, how they feel about their appearance, and their social relationships, comparing their current feelings to how they felt before surgery.

The results showed that there was a significant change in how people felt about themselves, their appearance, and their professional relationships after surgery. The scores on the questionnaires were high, indicating a good quality of life for these patients. The study also discovered three distinct groups of patients, with 70% of them having high quality of life scores and not complaining about any physical pain, how they function, any mental discomfort, social problems, or worries about their mouth or teeth.

This shows that this type of surgery can improve the quality of life for these patients, although the experiences can vary from patient to patient. This research highlights the need to ask patients who have had this type of surgery about their motivations for treatment and if there are any physical, social, or mental issues that could be affecting their quality of life.

FAQs

  1. What aspects of quality of life were measured in this research on orthognathic surgery?
  2. What significant changes did patients report in their self-perception and social relationships after undergoing orthognathic surgery?
  3. Did the study find that all patients experienced an improvement in quality of life after surgery, or did experiences vary?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient considering orthognathic surgery is to carefully consider their motivations for treatment and discuss any physical, social, or mental issues that could be impacting their quality of life. It is important to have realistic expectations and to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and goals for the surgery. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended orthognathic surgery are those who have significant issues with the alignment of their jaws, leading to problems with their bite, speech, chewing, and facial aesthetics. These issues can be due to congenital conditions, developmental abnormalities, trauma, or other factors. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, sleeping, or have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and other dental specialists may recommend orthognathic surgery for patients who have severe malocclusions, asymmetry, or other structural issues that cannot be corrected with braces or other orthodontic treatments alone. Patients who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and are motivated to undergo the necessary presurgical and postsurgical care are good candidates for this type of surgery.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation and consultation with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to determine if orthognathic surgery is the best treatment option for their specific needs. The decision to undergo orthognathic surgery should be made after careful consideration of the potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the procedure.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient may experience issues with their facial structure, teeth alignment, and bite
  • Consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the surgery and potential outcomes
  • Pre-surgical preparation, which may include dental work, imaging scans, and consultations with other specialists
  • Mental and emotional preparation for the surgery and recovery process

After orthognathic surgery:

  • Immediate post-operative care and monitoring in the hospital
  • Recovery period at home, which may involve pain management, dietary restrictions, and limited physical activity
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed
  • Physical therapy or speech therapy to help with any changes in jaw movement or speech patterns
  • Long-term follow-up care to monitor the results of the surgery and address any issues that may arise

Overall, the timeline for orthognathic surgery involves a thorough evaluation process before the surgery, followed by careful post-operative care and monitoring to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  3. Will I need to follow a specific diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after surgery?
  4. What are the expected results of the surgery in terms of improving my facial structure and bite alignment?
  5. How will orthognathic surgery affect my speech and ability to chew?
  6. Will I need to wear braces before or after surgery, and for how long?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  8. How many orthognathic surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  9. How long will the results of the surgery last and are there any long-term effects to consider?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results without surgery?

Reference

Authors: Heinzmann G, De Carli JP, Scortegagna SA, Da Silva AH, Keller AO, De Bittencourt ME, Zandoná J, Linden MSS. Journal: Gen Dent. 2021 Jul-Aug;69(4):64-69. PMID: 34185671