Malocclusion refers to misalignment of the teeth or incorrect relation between the two dental arches. While many malocclusions can be corrected with orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners, some severe cases may require orthodontic jaw surgery. Orthodontic jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with an orthodontist to correct serious jaw and facial irregularities that cannot be treated with orthodontic appliances alone.
There are several types of malocclusions that can be corrected with orthodontic jaw surgery. These include:
1. Class II Malocclusion
Class II malocclusion, also known as retrognathism or overbite, is characterized by an excessive protrusion of the upper teeth and/or the relative retrusion of the lower jaw. This condition can be corrected with orthodontic jaw surgery, which may involve repositioning the upper jaw and/or the lower jaw to achieve a harmonious bite relationship.
2. Class III Malocclusion
Class III malocclusion, also known as prognathism or underbite, is characterized by an excessive protrusion of the lower jaw and/or the relative retrusion of the upper teeth. Orthodontic jaw surgery can correct this malocclusion by repositioning the upper and/or lower jaw to achieve a more balanced facial profile and functional bite.
3. Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed. This can be caused by skeletal discrepancies in the jaws. Orthodontic jaw surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaws and improve the overlapping of the front teeth for proper function and aesthetics.
4. Overjet
Overjet, or protrusion, refers to the horizontal overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. Severe overjet may require orthodontic jaw surgery to correct the underlying skeletal discrepancy and achieve a more balanced facial and dental relationship.
5. Crossbite
Crossbite occurs when the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Depending on the severity and underlying skeletal issues, orthodontic jaw surgery may be necessary to align the upper and lower dental arches properly.
6. Facial Asymmetry
Facial asymmetry can result from skeletal discrepancies in the jaws, leading to uneven facial proportions and malocclusion. Orthodontic jaw surgery can help correct this condition by repositioning the jaws to achieve a more symmetrical and harmonious facial appearance.
7. Severe Crowding or Spacing
In cases of severe crowding or spacing of the teeth, orthodontic jaw surgery may be considered to reposition the jaws and create sufficient space to align the teeth properly, ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
8. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Orthodontic jaw surgery can also be beneficial in correcting malocclusions related to temporomandibular joint disorders, which can cause pain, clicking, and dysfunction in the jaw joint. By repositioning the jaws and improving the occlusal relationship, orthodontic jaw surgery can help alleviate the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.
Before recommending orthodontic jaw surgery, an orthodontist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient's dental and skeletal condition to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. This may involve a combination of orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners, in conjunction with orthodontic jaw surgery to achieve optimal results.
Orthodontic Jaw Surgery Procedures
Orthodontic jaw surgery typically involves a collaborative approach between the orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The process may include:
- Pre-surgical Orthodontics: The orthodontist aligns the teeth and prepares the dental arches for surgery, ensuring optimal occlusion and alignment.
- Surgical Planning: The oral and maxillofacial surgeon designs the surgical plan, taking into account the specific malocclusion and skeletal discrepancies that need to be addressed.
- Orthodontic Surgery: During the surgical procedure, the surgeon repositions the upper and/or lower jaw to achieve the desired alignment and bite relationship.
- Post-surgical Orthodontics: Following the surgery, the orthodontist continues to refine the occlusion and dental alignment using orthodontic appliances to ensure long-term stability and aesthetic results.
Orthodontic jaw surgery is a complex and highly specialized procedure that requires careful planning and coordination between the orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. By addressing the underlying skeletal and dental issues, orthodontic jaw surgery can not only improve the aesthetic appearance of the face but also enhance the overall function and health of the teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints.
Conclusion
Orthodontic jaw surgery offers a comprehensive approach to correcting severe malocclusions and skeletal discrepancies that cannot be effectively treated with traditional orthodontic appliances alone. By addressing conditions such as Class II and Class III malocclusions, open bites, overjet, crossbite, facial asymmetry, severe crowding or spacing, and temporomandibular joint disorders, orthodontic jaw surgery can significantly improve the overall dental and facial harmony of patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
If you are experiencing significant malocclusions or jaw irregularities, consult with an orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon to explore the potential benefits of orthodontic jaw surgery and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.