Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognantic surgery, that is, maxillofacial surgery, is the treatment method carried out in cooperation with orthodontics and oral, dental and maxillofacial surgery in order to both improve the aesthetic appearance and restore the functionality of the jaw in patients with severely impaired jaw skeletal structure. Orthognathic surgery offers solutions to treat incompatibility of jaw bites caused by the lower jaw being anterior, posterior or asymmetrical compared to the upper jaw. As a result of the operations performed, it is ensured that the lower or upper jaw is in an ideal position relative to the face. If there is a defect in the positions of the teeth, braces are applied and brought into the position they should be, but if there is a defect in the jaw structure, surgical intervention is usually required.

What are the Orthognathic Surgery Application Stages? 

Oral, dental and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists come together to plan a suitable treatment for the patient. In the first stage of the treatment, orthodontic treatment takes place, and as a result of the treatment methods applied, the teeth are brought to the position they should be and the jaw closures are correct. 

After the treatment process completed by orthodontists, the surgical process is planned. Maxillofacial surgeons perform examinations with 3D imaging techniques and the treatment process begins after surgical planning. During orthognathic surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia. In maxillofacial surgery, almost all incisions are made through the mouth and thus scarring is kept to a minimum. If necessary, small incisions can be made from the outside of the mouth, but these incisions heal without leaving a trace. If necessary, small incisions can be made from the outside of the mouth, but these incisions heal without leaving a trace. In the jaw operation, immediately after the bone incisions, the lower, upper or both jaws are brought to an ideal position relative to the face and fixed with titanium plates and screws. If the jaw disorder is severe, additional bone may be required. In such cases, bone taken from the patient's hip is used for treatment. There is a recovery period of about 1 month after orthognathic (jaw) surgery procedures. After this process, orthodontic treatment is started again because after jaw surgery, a corrective treatment is required that will ensure the permanent positioning of the teeth.

As a result of all these treatment processes, the jaw closures are corrected and the tooth rows are made ideal. In this way, the patient achieves aesthetically positive results. Quality of life is increased by improving functions that directly affect daily life such as chewing, yawning, speaking, swallowing and breathing. 

In Which Situations Is Orthognathic Surgery Required? 

Orthognathic surgery, i.e. chin surgery, may be considered necessary in cases that cause both functional and aesthetic discomfort, such as the lower or upper jaw being forward or backward, the lower or upper jaw being in an asymmetrical position relative to the face, the gingival smile or having a long face. In addition, jaw surgery may be required in cases where jaw closure, chewing and speech impediments, and jaw positions are positioned to interfere with respiratory functions.