It is a surgical method that helps to fix the shape, form, and relation deformities of lower and upper jaws. It is colloquially known as jaw surgery.
In such cases, orthodontists and plastic surgeons work together. Such maxillofacial surgeries are performed at a general hospital under general anesthesia. The operation takes about 1-2 hours.
Orthognathic surgery is an operation that is performed during the orthodontic treatment period. They are not separate treatments. For example, orthognathic surgery can be performed 6 months after the start of orthodontic treatment.
Let's assume that your lower jaw is too protruded. Starting from the moment the braces are placed, the teeth start to straighten and the lower jaw protrusion becomes more apparent. In this case, with orthognathic surgery, the lower jaw is moved backwards and fixed.
In rare cases, the treatment is performed without surgery only with tooth extraction. However, the appearance does not improve as there are no changes in the bone structure.
Such cases necessitate team work. Your orthodontist has to have previously worked with the surgeon. Some plastic surgeons specialize in operations such as rhinoplasty, breast aesthetics etc. and they may not be experienced in maxillofacial surgeries.
Such maxillofacial surgeries have been performed for a very long time with experienced surgeons performing these surgeries frequently and successfully.
The surgery is performed inside the mouth. No part of the operation is performed on your face, so there are no surgical scars left.
Operation performed under general anesthesia in hospital setting
Medical examination and discharge decision (typically next day discharge)
Jaws tied with rubber bands for bone fusion, liquid diet required
Dental examination, mouth opening, and jaw exercise instruction
Orthodontic treatment continues for average 4 months, then braces removal
Painkillers provided; gradually decreasing pain for 1-3 days
Able to walk at home by yourself 2 days after treatment
Better jaw function and facial aesthetics