Our Summary

This research study looked at how a type of jaw surgery, called orthognathic surgery, impacts the quality of life in patients with a specific type of facial deformity (Class III). The study involved 40 patients, who all had braces treatment before the surgery. Depending on the severity of their condition, patients either had surgery on one jaw or both. Researchers evaluated patients’ oral health and quality of life through two types of questionnaires before the surgery, one week after the surgery, and between 6 to 12 months after the surgery.

The results showed that there were significant improvements in most aspects of patients’ oral health and quality of life except for psychological discomfort, physical disability, and handicap. The improvements were most noticeable one week after surgery and continued to get better 6 to 12 months after surgery. When comparing the results from patients who had surgery on one jaw to those who had it on both jaws, there was no significant difference in the improvements in oral health and quality of life.

In simpler terms, this study found that this jaw surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with this specific type of facial deformity.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery and who is it for?
  2. How does orthognathic surgery impact the quality of life and oral health of patients with Class III facial deformity?
  3. Is there a difference in the improvements in oral health and quality of life between patients who had surgery on one jaw versus those who had it on both jaws?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient considering orthognathic surgery is to be prepared for some discomfort and potential changes in their daily routine during the recovery period. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including eating soft foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. Additionally, patients should be patient with the healing process and give themselves time to adjust to any changes in their bite or facial appearance. Overall, communicating any concerns or questions with their healthcare team can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal results from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with Class III facial deformities, which involve an underbite or protruding lower jaw, are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery. These patients may experience difficulty with chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as have aesthetic concerns related to their facial appearance. Orthodontic treatment with braces is often required before and after the surgery to align the teeth properly. The surgery may involve repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct the alignment of the teeth and improve facial symmetry. Overall, orthognathic surgery can greatly improve the function and aesthetics of the jaw, leading to a better quality of life for patients with these types of facial deformities.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes braces treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical evaluations and consultations with the oral surgeon
  • Patient may need to undergo orthodontic treatment for a period of time before surgery
  • Patient may experience discomfort and difficulty with chewing, speaking, and breathing due to the jaw misalignment

After orthognathic surgery:

  • Immediately after surgery, patient may experience swelling, pain, and difficulty with eating and speaking
  • Patient will need to follow a strict post-operative care plan, which may include a liquid diet, pain medication, and oral hygiene instructions
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon to monitor healing and progress
  • Over time, patient will notice improvements in their facial symmetry, bite alignment, and overall function
  • Patient may need to continue with orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and alignment of teeth
  • Patient will experience improved self-esteem and quality of life as a result of the surgery

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after orthognathic surgery can vary depending on the individual case and treatment plan. However, the surgery can ultimately lead to significant improvements in function, aesthetics, and quality of life for patients with facial deformities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific type of facial deformity do I have that requires orthognathic surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of orthognathic surgery for my condition?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like after orthognathic surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to fully recover and see the results of the surgery?
  6. Will I need to wear braces before or after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How long will the surgery take?
  9. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any medications after the surgery?
  10. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  11. Are there any alternative treatments to orthognathic surgery that I should consider?
  12. What can I expect in terms of changes to my appearance and oral function after the surgery?
  13. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery?
  14. Can you provide me with any before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone orthognathic surgery?
  15. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Muftuoglu O, Guler AY, Karasu HA. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 May;61(4):274-277. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2023.03.001. Epub 2023 Mar 7. PMID: 37024362