Our Summary

This study reviewed past research to understand how orthognathic surgery (surgery on the jaw to correct conditions related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems owing to skeletal disharmonies, or other orthodontic problems that can’t be easily treated with braces) affects a patient’s bite. They followed strict guidelines and included only original research articles that measured bite force before and after surgery and followed up with patients for at least a year after their surgery.

They found nearly 1000 research articles, but after removing duplicates and excluding non-relevant studies, they ended up with 14 that met their criteria.

Their review of these studies found that patients generally had a stronger bite after surgery, but not as strong as people who’d never had surgery. The maximum strength of a patient’s bite, however, didn’t change as a result of surgery. They also found that patients could chew and swallow more forcefully immediately after surgery but noticed a decrease in the areas of contact pressure in the bite post-surgery.

FAQs

  1. What conditions can be treated with orthognathic surgery?
  2. Does orthognathic surgery affect a patient’s bite strength?
  3. What changes can patients expect in their ability to chew and swallow after orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about orthognathic surgery is to be prepared for changes in their bite strength and chewing abilities following the surgery. While patients may experience a stronger bite and improved ability to chew and swallow immediately after surgery, there may be some changes in the areas of contact pressure in the bite. It’s important for patients to follow their doctor’s post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or biting, speech problems, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and skeletal disharmonies that cannot be corrected with braces alone. Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have completed their growth spurt, typically around the late teens or early twenties.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient consults with orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Patient undergoes dental and facial x-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests to assess the condition of their jaw
  • Orthodontic treatment may be required to align teeth prior to surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to prepare for surgery
  • Patient meets with surgeon to discuss surgical plan and expectations

After orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgery under general anesthesia, which can involve repositioning the jaw bones to correct the alignment
  • Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and pain in the days following surgery
  • Patient may need to follow a liquid or soft food diet for a period of time after surgery
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust orthodontic treatment as needed
  • Patient may need to undergo post-surgical orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth
  • Patient’s bite strength and function gradually improve over time as the jaw heals and the orthodontic treatment progresses

Overall, orthognathic surgery can significantly improve a patient’s bite function and overall oral health, but it is a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination between orthodontists and oral surgeons.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific jaw issues will this surgery correct?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes after surgery?
  5. How will orthognathic surgery impact my bite force and ability to chew and swallow?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or procedures after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the risks associated with it?
  8. How long will the results of the surgery last?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for my condition?
  10. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery, and what is your success rate with these procedures?

Reference

Authors: AlQahtani FA, Varma SR, Kuriadom ST, AlMaghlouth B, AlAsseri N. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Mar;28(1):79-90. doi: 10.1007/s10006-023-01165-3. Epub 2023 Jun 14. PMID: 37314643