Orthognathic

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery aimed at correcting jaw deformities and the issues arising from them. These corrections can improve functionality, balance, aesthetics, and overall quality of life.

When Do You Need Orthognathic Surgery?

The first step in determining the need for jaw surgery is distinguishing between a healthy jaw and an abnormal or unhealthy one. If a person’s jaw is abnormal to the extent that it impairs chewing, speaking, or breathing functions, they may be a suitable candidate for this surgery.

Common Reasons For Requiring Jaw Surgery Include:

  • Genetic factors or congenital conditions
  • Protrusion or recession of the upper or lower jaw and chin
  • Narrowing of the upper or lower jaw
  • Jaw joint injuries caused by trauma
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Misalignment of upper and lower teeth, either in the front or back of the mouth
  • Abnormal growth of tumors in the jaw
  • Abnormal growth of both jaws
  • Jaw joint disorders
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
  • Overexposure or underexposure of teeth and gums when smiling
  • Jaw fractures
  • Breathing problems
  • Correcting sleep-related disorders

The Ideal Age For Orthognathic Surgery

The ideal time for jaw surgery is when jaw growth has fully stopped. If growth continues after surgery, complications may reappear. Generally, jaw growth stops about 2 to 3 years after puberty in girls and around the age of 18 in boys. Surgeons use X-ray imaging and a detailed evaluation of the teeth and jaw to confirm growth cessation.

While jaw surgery is also possible at older ages, it should be noted that challenges may arise due to reduced cell and tissue regeneration capacity.

Additionally, older patients may have underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, which can affect recovery. However, with proper care under an experienced surgeon, these challenges can often be managed successfully.

Steps Before Orthognathic Surgery:

  • Orthodontic Treatment Before Surgery
  • Ideal jaw surgery treatment is typically combined with orthodontics. The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to align and prepare the teeth for surgery and to ensure they are ready for the new jaw relationship after surgery.
  • In most cases, orthodontic treatment is performed first to prepare the patient for jaw surgery. After surgery, orthodontics continues for a limited period, as determined by the patient’s condition and the orthodontist. Coordination between the orthodontist and the maxillofacial surgeon ensures a precise treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Visit Pishgaman Teb Digital Company:

Step One

Once the surgeon approves the procedure, you should visit the company with your CBCT scan CD (according to the company’s protocol). Before surgery, intraoral scanning and pre-surgical photography will be conducted by trained and professional operators.

Step Two

Using this data and specialized maxillofacial software, trained designers create a highly accurate cephalometric bone analysis report of your face. This report provides precise, millimeter-level details of your facial abnormalities, which are shared with the surgeon to complement clinical evaluations and finalize the treatment plan.

Step Three

After finalizing the treatment plan, splints are designed and fabricated with high precision. These guides help the surgeon determine the exact position of your jaw during surgery, ensuring the proper alignment after correcting abnormalities.

Step Four

All reports, photographs, and splints are sent to the surgeon before surgery.

How Is Orthognathic Surgery Performed?

Orthognathic surgery is typically performed inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars on the face, chin, jaw, or around the mouth. However, depending on your condition, the surgeon might make very small external incisions.
With advancements in technology, surgery simulations can now be conducted using specialized maxillofacial software, significantly improving surgical precision. This pre-surgical planning involves a virtual simulation where definitive decisions are made. The output of this process—splints designed through collaboration between the Pioneers of Digital Medicine team and the surgeon—serves as guides to correct jaw abnormalities and stabilize the jaw in its precise position, thereby reducing surgical risks.
During surgery, the surgeon accesses the jawbone by cutting through tissue inside the mouth. The jawbone is then precisely cut at predetermined locations and positioned correctly using the splints designed by the company. The bone is fixed in place with screws and plates to achieve its final position.
These plates can either be standard ones provided by the hospital or fully customized plates designed and manufactured by Pioneers of Digital Medicine to match your specific bone structure. Custom plates can replace traditional splints.
Over time, the screws and plates integrate into the jawbone structure and typically do not need to be removed.

Recovery Period After Surgery

  • On the day of surgery and for the first 24 hours after the procedure, consume cool liquids and very soft foods that do not require chewing.
  • Do not use a straw under any circumstances. It is better to use a small spoon or cup for eating and drinking.
  • Drink plenty of fluids in small quantities at a time. You can consume liquids of your choice, such as various fruit juices, broth, unstrained soup, tea, yogurt drinks, etc.
  • It is normal to experience a sore throat due to the breathing tube used during surgery. This discomfort typically resolves within a few days.
  • Avoid rinsing your mouth during the first 24 hours.
  • From the third day onward, you can start brushing your teeth cautiously.
  • From the third day onward, you may consume soft foods that do not require chewing.
  • The presence of blood-tinged saliva or nasal discharge is normal and not a cause for concern.
  • Swelling usually peaks by the third day and subsides over the course of two weeks.
  • Use an ice pack for the first 24 hours after the surgery.
  • In case of severe bleeding, significant difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, contact your doctor or visit the hospital immediately.
  • Make sure to visit your surgeon during the first week after surgery.
  • Complete bed rest is recommended for patients during the recovery period.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited during this time.
  • Avoid strenuous activities during recovery.
  • Perform post-surgery exercises as instructed by your surgeon with precision.
  • Take your medications exactly as prescribed.
  • Avoid self-medicating.
  • Protect the elastic bands installed during surgery and use a smaller spoon for eating. If the bands break, visit the clinic promptly.