ORTHOGNATIC SURGERY

These are surgically supported orthodontic treatments applied to patients who have skeletal disorders, have completed their growth and development period, and have not had the chance to receive functional treatment at an early age.

Skeletal deformities can manifest as the upper or lower jaw being protruding or receding, narrow, tilted, or positioned to the right or left. These deformities, which we might initially assume are solely related to the jaw and face, can also manifest as increased crowding within the mouth, traumatic bites, an inability to bite, and restricted jaw movement.

Many patients with skeletal deformities exhibit a natural camouflage. In a forward-positioned lower jaw, the teeth are tilted back to approach the upper teeth as closely as possible, while the upper teeth are inclined forward. In cases of maxillary recession, the jaw is often narrow, which increases crowding and the inclination of the teeth. Similarly, in patients with a recessed lower jaw, the lower jaw is also small and narrow, which increases the forward tilt of the lower teeth and the inclination of the teeth. When the teeth are tilted forward, the distance between the upper and lower jaws appears much smaller than it actually is.

The goal of preoperative orthodontic treatment is to move teeth into their ideal skeletal positions, rather than the natural camouflage described above. Therefore, the surgical plan's movements are tailored to our skeletal bone landmarks, not to the movable teeth. This preparation typically takes 1-1.5 years.

With advancements in 3D technology, surgical methods, and materials, the surgical process is much more comfortable than in the past, and you can largely return to your normal life within two weeks. Your jaws won't remain immobilized for long. Removable elastic connectors, used in standard orthodontic treatment, allow your jaws to heal in the correct position. With proper surgical preparation, your orthodontic treatment will be completed within 3-6 months.

My personal area of interest is Orthognathic Surgery, which is my advice to our patients. When making treatment decisions, I recommend accurately assessing their needs and expectations. If surgery is necessary, postpone the decision. However, avoid resorting to camouflage treatments, which we often employ in direct contradiction. For this group of patients who, without treatment, face significant functional deficiencies in addition to aesthetic needs, undergoing second or third rounds of unfulfilling orthodontic treatment instead of undertaking necessary surgery not only pushes the limits of their teeth and bone structure but also exacerbates their financial and emotional hardship.

Author: Dr. Desen KARABAĞLAR