Orthognathic surgery is a procedure in which a set of surgical techniques are applied to place the jaws in an ideal and correct position. The objective is always to achieve adequate esthetics and good occlusion.
Orthognathic surgery: techniques applied
In Maxillofacial Surgery, the ideal treatment to correct a malformation in the jaws is orthognathic surgery and it is performed in a multidisciplinary way including: orthodontists, periodontists, implantologists, prosthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, physiotherapists, among other specialists.
Changes are not always made in a single intervention, since sometimes the deformity requires slow and gradual correction to overcome the resistance of the soft tissues, especially when the intervention is performed early.
On the other hand, minor aesthetic techniques are performed simultaneously while other larger corrections require a second intervention.
Consequences in an untreated patient
A patient who has not undergone orthognathic surgery, although he or she can lead a completely normal life, will live with certain minor malocclusions. The most severe consequences are psychological and functional problems such as early loss of teeth, increased incidence of periodontal disease and caries or disorders in the functioning of the temporomandibular joint.
Postoperative period after orthognathic surgery
There is swelling that persists for weeks, although a normal social life can be carried out after about 10 days when most of the acute edema has subsided. However, some swelling persists for weeks or even months.
The care to be followed is: a soft diet and optimal oral hygiene, which is sometimes difficult. During the postoperative period, complementary orthodontic treatment is started, usually with elastics to achieve an ideal final adjustment of the occlusion.