Orthognathic Surgery: Transforming Smiles and Improving Facial Harmony
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery or jaw realignment surgery, is a type of surgical procedure performed to correct abnormalities or misalignments of the jaw and facial bones. The anomalies can occur due to congenital conditions, growth abnormalities, injury, or other developmental issues. While it can improve the overall functionality and aesthetics of the jaw and face, its primary goal is to enhance oral function. Misaligned jaws can cause TMJ disorders and difficulties in chewing, speaking, and breathing. The surgery is usually done after completion of facial growth around 14 – 16 years in females and 16- 18 years in males. The procedure can also be performed after growth completion in adulthood.
Some common examples of anomalies that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone and need orthognathic surgery
Overbite (Severe Class II Malocclusion)
Overbite occurs when the lower jaw is significantly behind when compared to the upper jaw. It can result in difficulty in chewing, speech problems, jaw pain, esthetic concerns, an increased risk of dental issues such as tooth wear, gum problems, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Though minor overbite up to 2 to 4 mm can be cured by orthodontic treatment with braces, major overbite can only be rectified by orthognathic surgery
Underbite (Severe Class III Malocclusion:
Underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes forward. It can result in difficulty in chewing, speech problems, jaw pain, esthetic concerns, an increased risk of dental issues such as tooth wear, gum problems, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Though minor underbite can be cured by orthodontic treatment with braces, major underbite can only be rectified by orthognathic surgery
Openbite
An open bite happens when the upper and lower teeth do not meet each other when the mouth is closed. This can occur either due to the absence of vertical overlap between the front teeth, which is called Anterior Open Bite, or due to the lack of vertical overlap between the back teeth, which is called Posterior Open Bite. Open bites can cause a variety of problems, such as difficulty in biting and chewing food, speech difficulties, cosmetic concerns, and an increased risk of dental problems such as tooth wear, gum problems, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Minor open bites can be cured by using specialized orthodontic techniques, such as the use of elastic bands. However, orthognathic surgery is required for severe open bites.
Facial Asymmetry
Facial asymmetry results if there is a noticeable imbalance in the size or position of the facial bones. Facial asymmetry can result in aesthetic concerns, difficulties with chewing, speaking, and swallowing, misalignment of the teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Developmental abnormalities, such as condylar hyperplasia (elongation of jaw joint), mandibular hyperplasia or hypoplasia (lower jaw increase or decrease), hemifacial microsomia, facial palsy, or craniofacial syndromes are conditions in which facial asymmetry exists. Minor facial asymmetry can be cured by Orthodontic Treatment like the usage of braces, aligners etc. But for major facial asymmetry orthognathic surgery or facial reconstructive surgery is needed
