Orthognathic surgery is a solution for those who have malformations or abnormalities in the lower jaw, upper jaw or both. It is a safe procedure with a demanding postoperative period.
Orthognathic surgery is a dental procedure which is performed in order to correct dental malformations or deformities. Although, often not detected with the naked eye, these abnormalities change the structure of a person’s face.
It is estimated that about 5% of the world’s population has some type of dental malformation in the upper or lower jaw. This not only affects the aesthetics, but can also compromise chewing, swallowing, breathing and speech.
Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure performed by specialists to correct the position of the upper jaw and lower jaw. When it is abnormal, it causes functional problems such as poor closure, sleep apnea, digestive difficulties and difficulty chewing.
This type of surgery allows the resolution of skeletal deviations of the face (facial bones) as well as the correction of asymmetries. It also makes it possible to repair facial injuries or congenital defects in this area.
A maxillofacial surgeon must perform the procedure. It includes a long preparatory process of 12 to 18 months for the alignment of the teeth with braces. During this period, a professional must perform multiple radiographic and 3D imaging examinations to detect changes in the maxillofacial structure.
This surgery involves general anesthesia and requires two to four days of hospitalization. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the bones and then fixes them in a new position using plates, rubber bands, screws and so on.
Usual problems that can be corrected:
Prognathism (upper or lower jaw protrudes sharply forward, relative to the other).
There are three types of Orthognathic surgery: pneumothorax, posterior jaw, yawning. Let’s see what each of them consists of.
Upper jaw Orthognathic surgery involves placing the jaw in the correct position. The goal is to restore the harmony of the face and, above all, the functionality of this bone, which is the key to chewing, breathing and speech.
Surgery involves an incision in the upper jaw, a procedure known as Le Fort I Osteotomy. Allows the elongation, shortening, retraction, advancement or rotation of the upper jaw. Once it is in the correct position, the surgeon fixes it in place with titanium plates. The Orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw takes about 40 minutes.
This surgery involves advancing or lifting the jaw. However, in the latter case, there is a risk of narrowing of the airway, so it rarely occurs. The development of the lower jaw, on the other hand, has no significant risks.
Usually, Orthognathic mandibular surgery is performed when a person has a small and retracted mandible. This condition is known as retrognathia or class II and often contributes to sleep apnea.
During surgery, the surgeon cuts each side of the jaw bone. This procedure is called a bilateral sagittal osteotomy. They then advance the bone and stabilize it in its new position using titanium plates. The operating time is about 30 minutes.
Orthognathic surgery is the most common type of surgery. Includes repositioning of both the upper and lower jaw. The goal is to achieve a proper occlusion and also to provide greater harmony to the face.
Doctors recommend it for the treatment of malformations such as category II, category III, open bite or asymmetry of the face, among others. During the procedure, the actions of the Orthognathic surgery of the upper jaw and the lower jaw are combined. The operation lasts from 90 to 120 minutes.
The postoperative period after this type of surgery is long and demanding. It can take up to nine months, during which time the patient must make dietary adjustments, avoid alcohol consumption, and maintain strict oral hygiene, usually using chlorhexidine oral solutions three times a day.
After surgery, experts usually recommend a rest period of two to three weeks. There will be swelling on the face, so doctors usually recommend the use of protective chin, anti-inflammatory drugs and the application of cold compresses on the area.
It is best to start physiotherapy immediately to regain normal movement. Usually, in the beginning, it is necessary to feed with a syringe tube. The patient is then moved to ground food and broths.
Three stages of treatment:
Its goal is the alignment of the teeth, in order to achieve good dental convergence after the surgical removal of the jaws.
The goal is the surgical movement of the jaws, to fit in the right position, so that we have a functional and aesthetically perfect result.
The goal is the small corrections of the positions of the teeth, in order to ensure the perfect dental convergence and the maintenance of the result and the progress that has been made.
Orthognathic surgery is a safe procedure that only rarely causes complications. Although it has a demanding postoperative period, most people manage to overcome everything successfully.
The main complications are as it follows:
In most cases, orthodontic treatment is required before and after Orthognathic surgery. This allows bone stability to be achieved as well as stable occlusion. Therefore, the surgeon and the orthodontist must work as a team.
This type of surgery makes it possible to correct functional problems caused by poor placement of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. It also improves the appearance of the face. This is something that should not be minimized, as in many cases, it affects a person’s self-esteem.
Surgery promotes many benefits in the patient’s life, such as:
This surgery helps to enlarge the airways and also a better sealing of the lips, allowing better breathing.
The expert also emphasizes the improvement of the gastrointestinal system, because, with surgery, the patient can better chew food, facilitating digestion in the stomach.
Improving self-esteem, as there is an aesthetic improvement of the smile and the area of the face with the operation.
Orthognathic surgery has evolved notably over the last few decennaries. The aim is to accurate the skeletal abnormalities of the face, in order to properly close the teeth of the two jaws and the harmony of the face. The benefits of Orthognathic surgery are the improvement of chewing, speech, breathing as well as the aesthetics of the face. The benign effect of this treatment is very great both in the patient’s self-confidence and in his general health.
City Dental Clinic has many years of experience in the field of dental treatments and surgeries.
If you need an Orthognathic surgery and you cannot decide which is the best place for you. We ensure you that in our clinic you will be served with the best quality and affordable prices in Tirana, Albania.
Contact us today at +355 68 510 7070 or send us an email at info@cdc.com.al. You can talk with one of our employers, ask any further questions and get an extensive information.
The need for the patient to undergo all preoperative examinations before surgery to ensure that she is in good condition for the procedure, it must be emphasized. Preoperatively, the patient should have already had the following tests: blood, urine, heart and radiographic examinations of the face, dental arch and chest.
The patient should be hospitalized three hours before the operation and fasted for at least eight hours.
Surgery requires the patient to have reached maturity. Only in extreme cases can this surgery be prescribed.
It is stated that patients with tumors and serious systemic diseases cannot undergo this surgery. It is added that the procedure is not suitable for patients with impaired bone metabolism, patients with mental disabilities (due to the postoperative period, cannot assimilate the recommendations, etc.), severe blood disorders, diabetes, severe heart disease, radiation and patients undergoing chemotherapy.
