ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY | CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY
DR. SM BALAJI, MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON, INDIA
Dr SM Balaji is a world-renowned Facio-Maxillary Surgeon and has performed more than 20,000 surgeries over the last two decades. His experience in jaw corrective surgery even or orthognathic surgery is unsurpassed. Jaw surgery is very difficult and requires exceptional precision and presence of the mind.
WHAT IS ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
The size and position of facial bones, jaws and teeth determine the facial appearance. If the jaws are not proportionate or out of alignment, it may cause difficulties in speaking, biting, chewing or breathing, jaw joint pain and affect the appearance. Such imbalances can be easily corrected surgically.
Orthognathic surgery is basically surgery performed on the bones of the jaws to change their position and size. It involves repositioning all or part of the upper or lower jaw or chin in alignment. Sometimes, the bone may be added, taken away or reshaped. When the jaws are moved forwards or backward, up or down, or rotated, the soft tissue in the chin, cheeks, lips and tip of the nose move accordingly.
Therefore, once the jaws are correctly positioned, the architecture of the facial skeleton is changed and harmony between the facial features is achieved. This results in a facial profile that is pleasing or in fact even more beautiful to look at.
Jaw surgery can re-adjust or re-align the jaw. It is sometimes referred to as orthognathic surgery. It is done by oral or maxillofacial surgeons operating with an orthodontic surgeon most of the time.
There are a number of reasons why jaw surgery might be suggested. For example, jaw surgery can change the misaligned bite due to irregular jaw growth or repair the injury.
If the upper jaw is comparatively bigger than the lower jaw, it may lead to a “gummy” smile. Excess gum tissue may be visible which may deflect from the beauty of the smile. This disparity in the size and shape of the jawbones can be corrected by Orthognathic surgery. The jaw size is decreased and the jaw is placed in a normal position drastically improving smile and appearance.
The shape of the nose is influenced by the shape of the upper jaw. Sometimes, the sharpness of the nose is not apparent because the upper jaw is too big and protruding. In such cases, correcting the shape, size and position of the upper jaw also result in giving the nose a sharp pristine look. More severe variations in the shape of the nose can be corrected along with jaw correction in the same surgical procedure. Before deciding the line of treatment, a detailed assessment and analysis of the face & facial bones need to be done. Many times, there is often a short period of orthodontic treatment done for subtle and fine detailing of the tooth positions.
The advantage of orthognathic surgery is that immediate results are seen. Also since these surgeries are approached from inside the mouth there are no visible external scars. Jaw correction surgery brings the teeth and jaws into proper position for better health and appearance. For some patients, the surgery can dramatically enhance appearance and self esteem. Such surgeries hold the key for youngsters who go through a lot of psychological stress over their facial appearance.
COMMON ORTHOGNATHIC PROCEDURES
Orthognathic surgery, often referred to as jaw surgery, encompasses a range of procedures designed to rectify jaw and facial misalignments or deformities. Here are some common types of orthognathic surgery:
- Maxillary Osteotomy (LeFort I): This procedure adjusts the position of the upper jaw and teeth to rectify upper jaw-related issues.
- Mandibular Osteotomy (Sagittal Split Osteotomy): This surgery addresses lower jaw problems by cutting and repositioning the mandible.
- Genioplasty (Chin Surgery): This surgery reshapes the chin by moving the chin bone. It’s often performed alongside other jaw surgeries.
- Bimaxillary Osteotomy: This surgery corrects misalignments involving both the upper and lower jaws and is typically used for more comprehensive corrections.
- Distraction Osteogenesis: This procedure gradually lengthens the jawbone using a distraction device, promoting new bone growth.
Orthognathic surgery is primarily performed to rectify functional issues such as difficulty in chewing or breathing, and to enhance facial aesthetics. The specific type of surgery chosen depends on the individual’s condition and treatment objectives.
