Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, is a treatment method aimed at correcting jaw structure anomalies for aesthetic purposes and improving functional disorders in chewing or speaking. These jaw abnormalities include issues such as the lower or upper jaw being set back or asymmetrical, leading to problems like incomplete closure. These problems can be genetic or trauma-induced. When chewing and speaking abilities are also restricted, the patient’s quality of life decreases. Orthognathic surgery aims to restore the necessary functions for the person to maintain a healthy daily life. Orthognathic surgery usually progresses parallel to orthodontic treatment. Before starting treatment, the patient’s teeth must be brought into a healthy position through orthodontic treatment. This process, including orthognathic surgery operations and post-operative recovery, takes between 3 to 6 months. The patient’s jaw structure is examined using imaging methods to decide on the appropriate operation.

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, is based on improving the aesthetic appearance and functions of the lower and upper jaws. During this treatment process, conducted alongside orthodontics, abnormalities in the teeth, gums, and jaw skeletal structure are corrected before surgery. It involves anatomically aligning the mismatches between the lower and upper jaws and correcting related issues. This treatment method, which provides both aesthetic and functional benefits, offers a long-term and successful solution.

How is Orthognathic Surgery Performed?

Surgeries aimed at correcting anomalies in the skeletal structure of the face for aesthetic and functional purposes are performed. Advancement or setback surgeries are conducted under general anesthesia, and positioning the teeth accordingly beforehand is crucial, a task that falls to orthodontics. The orthodontic treatment process can range from 3-6 months to 1-2 years. A cephalometric analysis, an imaging method, is used for the surgery. This imaging method plans the current and intended jaw structure, taking into account both bone and soft tissues. Using titanium plates and screws, the bone is fixed, allowing the upper jawbone to be embedded towards the base of the skull or moved and rotated in the opposite direction.

Who is Orthognathic Surgery For?

Malocclusion, meaning poor bite, indicates the misalignment of the jaws and teeth, with three degrees of severity. Situations requiring orthognathic surgery include:

• Malocclusions caused by structural anomalies of the skeleton, degree 2 or degree 3 malocclusions in the anterior region
• Facial anomalies
• Anterior open bite (the front teeth do not touch, only the back teeth do)
• Temporomandibular joint dislocations
• Obstructive sleep apnea caused by jaw structure
• Cleft lip or cleft palate
• Craniofacial microsomia (an anomaly resulting from incomplete growth and development on one side of the face)
• Jaw deformities and malocclusions due to trauma

Jaw deformities developed due to these conditions warrant orthognathic surgery. After orthognathic surgery, symptoms such as facial edema and pain may occur. The doctor may prescribe painkillers to manage these symptoms. The patient’s diet should also be suitable for oral and dental health.

Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery to the Patient

Jaw structure disorders also affect the upper respiratory tract. One reason for common respiratory disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea is the positional disorder of the jaw structure. Proper breathing and speaking skills depend on an anatomically correct jaw structure. Additionally, aesthetic concerns and related psychological problems are resolved as a result of orthognathic surgery. Orthodontic treatment before surgery also corrects the dental structure, restoring the patient’s oral and dental health.

Orthognathic surgery is a medical specialty that addresses the treatment of anomalies and disorders in jaw structure. The treatment process for patients with jaw abnormalities may be prolonged, making the choice of doctor crucial. Individuals with jaw structure disorders can make appointments at oral and dental health clinics to start their treatment. Appointments can be requested via phone or through an online request form.