Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure used to correct a variety of major and minor skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth.
Pre-Operative Orthodontic Measures
Before corrective jaw surgery, patients undergo a series of orthodontic measures to ensure the best possible outcomes. The primary goals of pre-operative orthodontic treatment are to align the teeth and jaws as much as possible, allowing the surgeon to accurately evaluate and plan the surgical correction.
1. Comprehensive Orthodontic Evaluation
A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation is conducted, which includes a thorough examination of the teeth, jaws, and facial structure. This assessment helps orthodontists determine the extent of dental and skeletal irregularities that need to be addressed.
2. Teeth Alignment
Braces or aligners may be used to align the patient's teeth and close any gaps between them. This alignment is important for ensuring that the upper and lower teeth fit together properly after the surgery.
3. Creating Space
In cases where the jaw needs to be moved forward or backward, it may be necessary to create space by using braces to gradually widen the dental arches. This process helps accommodate the movement of the jaws during the surgical procedure.
4. Bite Correction
If the patient has a significant overbite, underbite, or crossbite, the orthodontist will work to correct these issues before the surgery. This ensures a more stable and functional bite following the corrective jaw surgery.
Post-Operative Orthodontic Measures
Following corrective jaw surgery, post-operative orthodontic care is crucial for achieving optimal results. The orthodontic treatment continues after the surgical correction to finalize the alignment of the teeth and jaws.
1. Stabilizing the Bite
After the surgery, it is essential to stabilize the bite through orthodontic adjustments and refinements. The orthodontist will ensure that the teeth are properly aligned and the bite is comfortable and functional.
2. Finalizing Tooth Alignment
Any remaining adjustments to the alignment and position of the teeth are made to achieve the desired outcome. This may involve further use of braces or aligners to fine-tune the tooth positioning.
3. Retention Phase
Following the completion of orthodontic adjustments, a retention phase begins to maintain the corrected bite and teeth alignment. Retainers are often used to prevent relapse and ensure long-term stability.
In conclusion, the collaboration between orthodontic treatment and corrective jaw surgery is essential for addressing complex dental and skeletal issues. Pre-operative orthodontic measures help prepare the patient for surgery, while post-operative orthodontic care is crucial for achieving the desired results and long-term stability.