Orthognathic Surgical Treatments

Orthognathic treatments, also known as jaw surgery, are treatments in which surgical and orthodontic treatment are applied together to correct severe jaw disorders that cannot be corrected only with wire treatment. 

The stages of orthognathic treatment are as follows:

1. Assessment and planning: Before a decision on surgical correction of the jaws can be made, the patient must be thoroughly evaluated by different specialists. These may include orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons and other dental or medical specialists as necessary. During the evaluation, the patient is clinically examined, measurements and photographs are taken. X-rays, computed tomography images or magnetic resonance images are also requested as needed. Thus, the severity of the jaw disorder is determined and the surgical treatment process can be planned.
2. Orthodontic preparation: Most patients require a period of orthodontic treatment with braces or other appliances prior to orthognathic surgery to align the teeth and prepare the jaws for surgery.
3. Surgical process: Orthognathic surgery is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. The surgical method to be applied or which jaw it will be applied to depends on the severity and type of disorder in the patient.
4. recovery process: After surgery, the patient is usually hospitalized for a few days for follow-up and pain control. The recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors. Most patients experience facial swelling and discomfort after surgery. These complaints resolve within a few weeks. Initially, a liquid or soft food diet may be recommended. In the later stages of the healing process, you can gradually switch to solid foods according to your surgeon's recommendations.
5. Orthodontic follow-up: After orthognathic surgery, orthodontic treatment is continued for some time in order to give the teeth their detailed final position and to ensure a stable bite relationship.

Orthognathic treatment is a process that requires careful planning, good surgical technique and harmonious cooperation between the orthodontist and surgeon. Although the decision to undergo orthognathic treatment is an important one, patients with severe jaw disorders can achieve improvements in both appearance and function that improve quality of life.