Our Summary

This research paper is a review of previous studies investigating how well custom-made titanium plates work in jaw surgery, compared to what was planned beforehand using virtual surgical planning. The researchers analyzed a lot of studies and found seven that met their strict criteria for inclusion. These seven studies were published between 2015 and 2019 and included a total of 74 patients. The results showed that the use of these custom plates led to acceptable outcomes that were within the expected range. However, due to the different ways each study evaluated the success of the surgeries, the researchers couldn’t come up with a single measure of accuracy. This also made it impossible for them to do a meta-analysis, which would have combined the results of all the studies to give a more overall conclusion. Therefore, the researchers couldn’t make a solid recommendation on whether these custom plates should be used in jaw surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the focus of the research paper on orthognathic surgery?
  2. How many studies and patients were included in the research paper’s analysis?
  3. Why were the researchers unable to give a solid recommendation on the use of custom-made titanium plates in jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering orthognathic surgery that using custom-made titanium plates in jaw surgery has shown promising results in some studies. However, it is important to understand that individual outcomes may vary and more research is needed to determine the overall effectiveness of this approach. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your surgeon to make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

Suitable For

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is typically recommended for patients with severe malocclusion or misalignment of the jaw, which can cause functional issues such as difficulty chewing or speaking, as well as aesthetic concerns. Patients who may benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with:

  1. Severe underbite or overbite
  2. Crossbite
  3. Open bite
  4. Facial asymmetry
  5. Sleep apnea or other breathing problems related to jaw structure
  6. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  7. Difficulty closing or opening the mouth
  8. Chronic jaw pain

It is important for patients considering orthognathic surgery to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure and to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Consultation and evaluation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine the need for surgery.
  2. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  3. Virtual surgical planning to create a detailed plan for the surgery, including the repositioning of the jaw bones.
  4. Pre-operative appointments and tests to ensure the patient is healthy and ready for surgery.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital or at home, which may involve pain management and dietary restrictions.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and adjust orthodontic treatment.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities, including eating solid foods and resuming normal oral hygiene.
  4. Long-term follow-up to monitor the stability of the jaw position and address any post-operative issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any specific medications before or after the surgery?
  4. How will my bite and jaw function be affected by the surgery, and will I need any additional treatments or therapies?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of aesthetics and functionality?
  6. How will the surgery be planned and performed, and what type of anesthesia will be used?
  7. What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery, and what factors may affect the outcome in my case?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  9. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery, and what is your success rate with similar cases?
  10. What is the cost of the surgery, and will it be covered by my insurance?

Reference

Authors: Figueiredo CE, Paranhos LR, da Silva RP, Herval ÁM, Blumenberg C, Zanetta-Barbosa D. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Feb;122(1):88-97. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2020.06.011. Epub 2020 Jul 1. PMID: 32622000