Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is the integration of orthodontic treatment with surgical procedures to correct severe dentofacial irregularities. This interdisciplinary approach aims to address skeletal discrepancies and ensure optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients. Surgical orthodontics is compatible with traditional orthodontic practices and is often utilized in complex cases where conventional orthodontic treatment alone may be insufficient.
Key Principles
1. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Surgical orthodontics involves collaboration between orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and other dental specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both dental and skeletal concerns. The interdisciplinary team works closely to achieve optimal results for the patient.
2. Preliminary Orthodontic Preparation: Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the dental arches for the surgical phase. This pre-surgical orthodontic preparation sets the stage for successful surgical outcomes and post-surgical orthodontic adjustments.
3. 3D Imaging and Treatment Planning: Advanced diagnostic tools such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are utilized to capture detailed three-dimensional images of the craniofacial structures. This comprehensive imaging allows for precise treatment planning and helps the surgical and orthodontic teams visualize the desired outcomes.
4. Corrective Jaw Surgery: The surgical phase typically involves repositioning the maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), or both to achieve proper occlusion and facial harmony. This may include advancements, retrusions, or repositioning of the jaws to address skeletal discrepancies and optimize facial aesthetics.
5. Postsurgical Orthodontic Treatment: Following the surgical procedure, the patient continues orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the occlusion, alignment, and overall function of the dentition. Postsurgical orthodontics aims to maximize the aesthetic and functional outcomes achieved through surgery.
Compatibility with Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics is compatible with traditional orthodontic practices in several ways. While traditional orthodontics focuses on dental alignment and occlusion, surgical orthodontics addresses underlying skeletal imbalances that cannot be corrected through tooth movement alone. The two disciplines complement each other to deliver comprehensive care for patients requiring complex orthodontic treatment.
Patients who require surgical orthodontics often present with severe malocclusions, asymmetries, and facial disproportions that necessitate surgical intervention. By combining orthodontic expertise with surgical correction, patients can achieve improved facial aesthetics, proper occlusion, and enhanced oral function.
Conclusion
Understanding the key principles of surgical orthodontics is essential for dental professionals and patients alike. By embracing interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging advanced technology, and integrating surgical and orthodontic interventions, surgical orthodontics offers transformative results for individuals with significant dentofacial irregularities.