What is it?
It is the treatment of an irregular occlusion, during which the correct position of one or both jaws is restored by combining orthodontic and surgical treatment. This requires orthodontic preparatory treatment by wearing dental staples or teeth straightening graves (about 1.5 – 2 years). Orthognathic jaw surgery is performed after orthodontic preparatory treatment. This treatment is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in close collaboration with an orthodontist. This treatment method allows you to fully restore the correct shape, size, position, and alignment of the dental arches of one or both jaws and thus fully restore the disturbed function of these areas. The duration of the entire orthognathic treatment is about 2-3 years.
Why treat malocclusion?
- – Because of an irregular bite, the teeth may be more susceptible to caries.
- – Temporomandibular joint function may be impaired – pain, crunching, limited opening.
- – Orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct an irregular bite.
- – Due to the need for early restorative treatment in case of worn, excessively worn teeth.
- – Unsatisfactory facial features can complicate the patient’s emotional state and psychological health.
- – Disrupted chewing function can lead to problems with the digestive system.
- – Irregular occlusion is related to respiratory function, i.e. due to the unfavorable position of the jaws and narrowed airways, the patient may start snoring, lose sleep, and the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes increases.
What is the result of orthognathic treatment?
Orthognathic treatment allows to restore the correct position and bite of one or both jaws. This simultaneously restores the lost correct chewing function and solves other, often troublesome, problems related to an irregular bite. By correcting the position of the jaws, the facial features also change, due to which the patients gain more self-confidence.
Who can have orthognathic surgery?
This treatment can be applied to all patients who have already reached the age of 18. The jaw must be fully formed before this treatment can be applied. Preparatory orthodontic treatment for orthognathic jaw surgery can be started up to the age of 18.
Treatment stages:
- Diagnostic researchAfter consultation with an orthodontist, special tests are required to assess the condition: computerized tomography of the jaws, lateral cephalogram, photos according to the protocol, dental diagnostic models.
- ConsultationAfter evaluating the performed tests during a consultation (live or remote), the maxillofacial surgeon discusses with the patient his condition, situation, evaluates the jaws, bite, possible treatment alternatives, answers all the questions.
- Creating and presenting a treatment planAn individual treatment plan is prepared for you, delivered by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (live or remotely). The patient is presented with what the treatment course, duration, price, and results could be.
- Orthodontic preparatory treatmentOrthodontic preparatory treatment is carried out while wearing dental braces or teeth straightening trays. Duration 1.5 – 2 years.
- Orthognathic jaw surgeryBefore the operation, careful three-dimensional (3D) operation planning, production of special instruments, and preparatory examinations are carried out. The patient is given all the necessary information about the progress of this stage.
- Orthodontic final treatment3-4 months after the operation. orthodontic treatment is continued, the duration of which is 6-12 months.
