Orthognathic surgery is an unfamiliar term to most people. The purpose of orthognathic surgery is to correct functional and aesthetic problems that are due to underlying skeletal deformities.
Orthognathic surgery is often the treatment solution in cases where the bite problem is so severe that braces alone aren't enough to correct the problem, or where orthodontics alone would compromise your facial appearance.
There are 3 main types of orthognathic surgery utilized in our cases:
Things to know:
1. Sagittal Split Ostoetomy:
This operation is performed on the lower jaw {mandible} to move it forward {in the case of a deficient lower jaw}, or backward {in the case of a large lower jaw}. Its performed behind the back teeth {not in the joint} and the jaw is sectioned in such a way that bony contact is always maintained. There are no gaps in the bone that have to be filled in, and it is not necessary to wire your teeth together during the post-operative healing period. Rigid fixation is now commonly used for the post-operative healing period, and this surgical technique eliminates the need to wire teeth together.
The Surgery
Please note, that the information provided by us is a rough outline to help prepare you for the big day! Ultimately each surgeon has a different approach and any questions or queries should be directed to the specialist performing your surgery!
2. Le FORTE I OSTEOTOMY
This operation involves the upper jaw {maxilla} and the movement of it in various directions. This procedure is used in the treatment of:
3. GENIOPLASTY
This operation involves the movement of the chin, which may be moved forward, back, or upward to shorten it, or downward to lengthen it. The choice depends almost entirely on how it might affect your ability to let your lips relax together and on how it affects your facial appearance.
ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
The purpose of the presurgical phase of orthodontics is to align the teeth so the bite is correct when the surgery is complete. At the time of surgery, we will place surgical pins which are threaded through a special slot in your orthodontic brackets. These serve as an attachment during the surgery for the surgeon to be able to secure the teeth. The braces are not removed before your surgery.
SEQUENCE OF TREATMENT EVENTS:
- Diagnostic records and analysis as a New Patient
- Insurance (medical aid) predetermination and treatment plan confirmation
- Consultation with oral and maxillofacial surgeon
- Presurgical phase of orthodontics
- Presurgical work-up (Surgical Records) and analysis
- Collection of Surgical Records to give to Surgeon
- Appointment with surgeon to select surgical date
- Surgery
- Postoperative rehabilitation
- Finishing touches of orthodontics
- Removal of braces, placement of retainers
- Final dental equilibration, restoration, and cosmetic finishing
To achieve maximum results, we pride ourselves in the collaboration and co-operation between Dr. E Ghabrial, your Orthodontist specialist and Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon. This approach is more than "just teeth," it is a comprehensive approach to treatment to capture the result desired by you! The Patient!
