Our Summary

This research paper talks about a different approach to treating severe facial deformities. Typically, traditional braces are used to stabilize the jaw during surgery. However, this method doesn’t work for patients being treated with clear aligners, like Invisalign. The authors discuss the pros and cons of using Invisalign for these cases, compared to traditional braces. They share the example of a 19-year-old male patient with a skeletal crossbite who underwent surgery. For this patient, Invisalign was used before and after the surgery. The aligners were attached to eight small screws. The paper concludes that Invisalign can be effectively used along with surgery to treat facial deformities.

FAQs

  1. Can Invisalign be used in place of traditional braces for orthognathic surgery?
  2. How does the use of Invisalign affect the process of orthognathic surgery?
  3. What are the pros and cons of using Invisalign for orthognathic surgery as stated in the research paper?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including maintaining a soft diet, taking prescribed medications, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing and successful results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery are those with severe facial deformities that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. These deformities may include skeletal discrepancies, such as an underbite, overbite, crossbite, or facial asymmetry. Patients may also have difficulty with chewing, speaking, or breathing due to their jaw misalignment. Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have completed their growth and development, usually around the late teenage years or early adulthood. These patients may have already undergone orthodontic treatment to align their teeth, but surgery is necessary to correct the underlying skeletal issues. Additionally, patients must be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare jaw for surgery.
  2. Orthodontist creates treatment plan in collaboration with oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-surgical orthodontic preparation, which may involve wearing braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.
  4. Surgical consultations and planning take place to determine the best approach for the patient’s specific case.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to reposition the jaw and correct facial deformities.
  2. Post-surgery, patient may need to wear elastics or other appliances to aid in healing and stabilization of the jaw.
  3. Patient continues orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth.
  4. Follow-up appointments with both the orthodontist and oral surgeon are necessary to monitor progress and ensure successful outcomes.
  5. Patient may require further adjustments or additional orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific jaw or facial concerns can orthognathic surgery address?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected results of the surgery in terms of both function and aesthetics?
  6. How will my bite be affected by the surgery and will I need any additional orthodontic treatment?
  7. Are there alternative treatment options to orthognathic surgery that I should consider?
  8. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery and what is your success rate?
  9. Will I need to have any additional procedures or consultations before the surgery?
  10. What is the cost of the surgery and will it be covered by my insurance?

Reference

Authors: Zhang W, Yang H. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Mar-Apr 01;33(2):e112-e113. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007968. PMID: 34816816