Orthognathic surgery, a crucial procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, is indicated for various conditions, including bite alignment issues, facial imbalance, and breathing difficulties.
Addressing Bite Alignment Issues
One of the primary indications for orthognathic surgery is correcting severe malocclusion or bite misalignment. Malocclusion can lead to various dental problems, such as difficulty chewing, tooth wear, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. By repositioning the jaws, orthognathic surgery can improve the occlusion and restore proper alignment, function, and aesthetics of the teeth.
Correcting Facial Imbalance
Individuals with severe facial asymmetry or disproportionate jaw sizes may benefit from orthognathic surgery. Maxillofacial surgeons can use orthognathic procedures to reposition the upper and lower jaws, chin, or other facial structures to achieve better facial harmony and balance. This can lead to improved facial aesthetics and self-confidence in patients with congenital or acquired facial deformities.
Improving Breathing Difficulties
Orthognathic surgery is often indicated for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or other breathing difficulties caused by anatomical abnormalities in the upper airway. By repositioning the jaws and correcting underlying structural issues, orthognathic surgery can help alleviate airway obstructions, improve airflow, and reduce the severity of sleep-disordered breathing, ultimately enhancing the patient's overall quality of life.
Treating Jaw Joint Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) that are unresponsive to conservative treatments may require orthognathic surgery to address underlying skeletal and occlusal issues. By repositioning the jaw and modifying the bite relationship, orthognathic surgery can alleviate pain and dysfunction associated with TMD, providing long-term relief and restoring normal jaw function.
Resolving Skeletal Deformities
Severe skeletal discrepancies, such as excessive overbite (overjet) or underbite (prognathism), can be effectively treated with orthognathic surgery. This procedure aims to reposition the upper or lower jaw to correct the skeletal imbalance, enhance facial aesthetics, and improve the overall functional and esthetic outcomes for individuals with such skeletal deformities.