Orthognathic surgeryIt is a professional technology that combines medicine and aesthetics. It mainly corrects abnormalities in the structure of the mandible or upper jaw. It can not only improve the appearance, but also greatly improve the bite function and oral health.
This article will go throughFenghua United Clinic,In-depth analysis of the core principles of orthognathic surgery, showing you how maxillary and mandibular correction can change the jaw and bite relationship, improve airway patency and improve facial proportions.
We will also explain the key principles of the three major orthognathic surgeries in one go, so that you can have a more comprehensive understanding of orthognathic surgery and help you evaluate whether you are suitable for treatment.
Orthognathic surgery principles and functions
Orthognathic surgeryIt is a corrective surgery for abnormal jaw structure, which improves appearance and function through precise bone adjustment.
Below we will introduce the three core principles of orthognathic surgery to help you gain a deeper understanding of how it works and how it affects your health.
Movement and adjustment of bones
The primary goal of orthognathic surgery is toPrecise movement and adjustment of the upper and lower jaws, to solve problems such as facial asymmetry, protrusion, and retraction caused by abnormal bone structure.
Through surgery, the jawbone can be repositioned to bring more harmonious facial proportions and improve overall aesthetics.
Reconstruction of occlusal relationship
An incorrect bite may lead to chewing difficulties, tooth wear, or joint pain.
Orthognathic surgery canReestablish correct jaw and bite relationship, making the upper and lower jaws fit more accurately, not only improving the efficiency of biting and chewing, but also reducing the risk of oral health problems.
Widening of the airways
In some patients, abnormalities in the jawbone structure may compress the airway, leading to sleep apnea or other breathing problems.
Orthognathic surgery canBy adjusting the position of the jaw, the airway space is widened and the breathing quality is improved, further improving living comfort and health.
These three principles of orthognathic surgery work together to not only solve functional problems but also improve aesthetics, making them an important option for jawbone structure correction.
You havePrinciples of Orthognathic SurgeryAny questions about this?
Find out now how Fung Wah United ClinicOrthognathic surgery, completely solve your jaw and facial problems!
Orthognathic surgery process and time required
Orthognathic surgery is a delicate medical procedure that requires detailed planning and multi-stage processing, from preoperative preparation to postoperative recovery, involving multi-faceted professional collaboration.
The following will take you through the complete process and time required for orthognathic surgery to help you have a clearer understanding of this surgery.
Preoperative evaluation and planning
Before surgery, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive oral examination, image analysis (CT scan) and model making to accurately assess the extent of the jawbone abnormality.
A customized surgical plan is developed based on the patient's needs and structural assessment.
This stage usuallyIt takes 1 to 2 monthstime, including multiple communications between the patient and the physician and detailed preoperative preparation.
Surgical Procedure
The surgery itself is usually performed under general anesthesia and the duration varies depending on the complexity of the surgery.4 to 8 hours.
The doctor will make an incision inside the mouth to cut, move and fix the jawbone.
To ensure accuracy, surgery is often assisted by 3D guidance technology and specially made surgical molds.
Postoperative recovery and correction
After surgery, the patientUsually requires an overnight stay in hospital, and a recovery period of several weeks to months.
During this period, the doctor will arrange regular follow-up visits to confirm wound healing and jawbone stability.
In addition, orthodontic treatment is usually recommended after surgery to ensure the best bite relationship.
The entire postoperative recovery and correction period mayIt takes 6 to 12 months.
Time required
From preoperative preparation to complete recovery, orthognathic surgery usuallyAt least 1 to 1.5 years is requiredtime.
This is a process that requires both patience and expertise, but for patients who experience improved functionality and appearance, this surgery is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.
Common orthognathic surgery methods
Orthognathic surgery uses a variety of surgical methods to correct different jaw structure problems.
The following introduces four common types of surgery to help you understand their characteristics and applicable situations.
Maxillary osteotomy
Maxillary osteotomy (Le Fort I osteotomy) is mainlyThrough planned bone cutting, movement and repositioning of the maxillary bone, used to solve the following problems:
Change the incorrect position of the maxilla (crooked, long, short, etc.), the position of the soft palate (overhanging), widen the retro-palatal space, tighten the soft palate (velum) muscles to avoid obstruction, etc.
By moving the maxilla, in addition to clearing the airway, the face shape, bite, tooth exposure ratio (too many teeth exposed, or too few teeth exposed) and mid-face proportions can usually be improved.
Mandibular osteotomy
Mandibular bone osteotomy (BSSO, bilateral sagittal split) isFor cases where the mandible is protruding, receding or crooked.
Usually, patients with retracted mandible have lower hyoid bone and tongue, which are closer to the posterior pharyngeal wall and are prone to blockage.
By osteotomy and moving the mandible, the bite relationship is restored to normal. In addition to improving the chin shape and facial lines, the obstruction point behind the tongue (retro-glossal obstruction) is also unblocked.
This surgery is suitable for patients with an overly long jaw, a receding chin, a deviated jaw, and sleep apnea.
Bimaxillary osteotomy
Bimaxillary osteotomyAdjust the position of the upper and lower jaw bones at the same time,Suitable for cases with both upper and lower jaw abnormalities, such as severe malocclusion or disproportionate facial proportions.
Since both jaws need to be treated at the same time, this type of surgery is more complicated, but the effect is also the most comprehensive and can significantly improve facial shape and function.
Other auxiliary surgeries
In addition to major jaw surgery,Some patients may require additional adjunctive surgery, such as genioplasty (adjusting the shape of the jaw), tooth extraction, alveolar bone shaping, etc., to achieve a more refined effect.
In addition, somePatients with respiratory problemsMay needSimultaneous soft tissue treatment, to improve overall functionality.
These surgical methods can be performed singly or in combination according to the patient's needs to ensure the best improvement in function and appearance. Before choosing surgery, be sure to discuss in detail with the Fenghua Joint Clinic physician to develop the most suitable treatment plan.
What preparations should be made before orthognathic surgery for respiratory arrest?
Orthognathic surgery for apnea is a complex procedure that requires precise planning.
In order to ensure that the operation proceeds smoothly and achieves the expected results, preoperative preparation is particularly important.
Here are three key preparations patients should complete before surgery.
Detailed oral examination
Before the surgery, the doctor will arrange a detailed oral examination, including taking a CT scan and making a dental bite model.
These checks canAssist doctors to accurately assess jaw structure, respiratory conditions and bite problems, and then develop the most suitable surgical plan.
In addition, the doctor will check the health of the gums to ensure that there is no inflammation or other problems that may affect the surgery.
Preoperative consultation and communication
Preoperative consultation is a very important step.Patients need to fully communicate with their doctors to understand the purpose, process, risks and expected results of the surgery..
The doctor will provide professional advice based on the patient's condition and answer any possible questions.
At the same time, patients need to provide complete health information, including medical history, allergic reactions and medication use, to ensure the safety of the operation.
Preoperative considerations
Before surgery, patients need to follow the following precautions:
- Quit smoking and drinking: Stop smoking and drinking at least two weeks before surgery to promote wound healing.
- Diet control: Before surgery, follow the doctor's instructions and fast without drinking water to reduce the risk of anesthesia.
- Prepare nursing supplies: Such as mouthwash (alcohol-free), a soft toothbrush and liquid food suitable for postoperative use.
- Adjust your mental state：The surgery may cause some discomfort. Patients should be mentally prepared and communicate with their families to make appropriate arrangements for postoperative care.
Through adequate preoperative preparation, not only can the success rate of the operation be improved, but it can also help patients go through the postoperative recovery period more smoothly and achieve the goal of improving breathing quality.
You havePrinciples of Orthognathic SurgeryAny questions about this?
Find out now how Fung Wah United ClinicOrthognathic surgery, completely solve your jaw and facial problems!
Precautions after orthognathic surgery for respiratory arrest
Proper postoperative care is an important part of the success of orthognathic surgery, especially for surgery for respiratory arrest. Careful care and physician guidance after the operation are even more critical.
The following are three key points to pay attention to after surgery to help patients recover smoothly.
Wound care
Post-operative wounds require careful care to prevent infection and promote healing:
- Keep your mouth clean: In the early period after surgery, you can use a non-irritating mouthwash to gently rinse your mouth and avoid using products containing alcohol.
- Avoid touching the wound: Never touch the surgical area with your tongue or fingers to avoid infection or affecting healing.
- Ice to reduce swelling: Ice compress can be used to reduce swelling in the first 3 days after surgery, but each ice compress should not exceed 20 minutes and should be applied at intervals.
- Take medicine on time: Take medicine on time according to the clinic's postoperative instructions to avoid wound inflammation and infection.
Dietary restrictions
In the early postoperative period, patients need to pay special attention to dietary adjustments:
- Liquid food: In the first week, you should mainly eat pure liquid food, such as soup (which needs to be left at room temperature before drinking), fruit juice or soy milk and other liquid drinks without residue, and avoid chewing.
- Avoid spicy foods: Spicy, seafood, overheated or acidic foods may irritate the wound and should be avoided.
- Gradually resume eating: As recovery progresses, gradually transition to soft and solid foods and adjust according to physician recommendations.
Regular follow-up
Regular follow-up visits after surgery are key steps to ensure a smooth recovery:
- Observe recovery: The physician will check for wound healing, jawbone stability, and improvement in airway.
- Adjusting teeth: If further dental correction is required after surgery, the doctor will make a corresponding plan and discuss it with the orthodontist.
- Dealing with Postoperative Discomfort: If there is swelling, pain or other discomfort, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment and advice.
Through good postoperative care and close cooperation with doctors, patients can not only speed up their recovery, but also ensure that the surgery achieves the best results and improves their breathing quality and quality of life.
Orthognathic Surgery FAQs
Orthognathic surgery is an important way to address jaw structure problems, but many patients have some common questions before deciding to undergo surgery.
The following are answers to three common questions to help you understand this surgery more clearly.
How much does orthognathic surgery cost?
Orthognathic surgeryCost depends on many factors,includeThe complexity of the surgery, the physician’s professional experience, the level of sophistication of the medical equipment, and the need for postoperative care, etc..
In some cases, if the surgery is to treat apnea or other medical needs, you may be able to apply for insurance claims. It is recommended to discuss it in detail with your doctor and insurance company in advance.
What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a mature medical technology. Through detailed preoperative examination and communication and experienced surgical team,Usually the success rate and satisfaction are very high.
A successful surgery can not only improve the bite, facial proportions and respiratory function, but also greatly improve the patient's quality of life.
However, the effectiveness of the surgery also depends on the accuracy of preoperative planning, the surgeon's skills, and the patient's postoperative cooperation.
Therefore, choosing an experienced physician and following postoperative instructions are the keys to a successful operation.
What are the side effects of orthognathic surgery?
Although orthognathic surgery has a high success rate, some short-term and long-term side effects may occur, including:
Short-term discomfort
Swelling and bruising: May appear within a few weeks after surgery and usually subsides over time.
Temporary numbness: Because the surgery involves nerves, some patients may experience numbness in the chin or lips after surgery, which usually subsides over time.
Long-term sequelae
Nerve damage: Very rarely, prolonged paresthesias may occur.
Unstable bite: If tooth correction is not performed as planned after surgery, bite problems may occur again.
Respiratory function has not fully improved: For surgery for respiratory arrest, some patients may need other treatments to achieve the desired results.
In general, with careful preoperative planning and postoperative care, most patients can recover smoothly and achieve significant improvement.
For any concerns, it is recommended to consult with the doctors of Fenghua Joint Clinic as soon as possible to obtain reassuring answers.
Orthognathic surgery for apnea: How orthognathic surgery changed my life
For many patients suffering from sleep apnea, orthognathic surgery is not only a restoration of physical health, but also a life-changing experience. The following is a patient's personal experience, showing you how orthognathic surgery can fundamentally solve the problem and restore your quality of life.
The beginning of the problem: the apnea that bothered me
A 39-year-old male patient had been suffering from snoring and sleep apnea for a long time.
Being repeatedly awakened during sleep every night not only makes you feel tired during the day, but also affects your work performance and family life.
After diagnosis, it was found that the problem was caused by the underdevelopment of the upper and lower jaws, which were compressed backwards, causing a narrow airway. Orthognathic surgery is the best option to solve this problem.
The surgical process: from challenge to hope
After detailed preoperative examination and planning, he underwent Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane, and anterior elevation of his mid-lower facial bones.
In the same operation, his distorted nasal septum was adjusted and the lower nasal clips on both sides were reduced (the lower nasal clips are not well-shaped, and thickening of the lower nasal clips may also cause respiratory obstruction).
Life Changes: Regaining Health and Happiness
Three months after the operation, a sleep test was performed again. His AHI dropped significantly to 5.1, and the lowest blood oxygen concentration increased to 93%. Patients also reported that their problems of daytime fatigue, nasal congestion and snoring were all solved.
- Improved health: Apnea completely disappeared, sleep quality improved significantly, I was full of energy during the day, and my work performance also improved.
- Improvement of appearance: The facial lines are more harmonious and the chin is more prominent, which brings him more confidence.
- Harvest of the Soul: From the initial nervousness to the restoration of health after the operation, he deeply felt the power of medical technology and cherished his health more.
Advice for people with the same problem
The patient stated that choosing orthognathic surgery was one of the most important decisions in his life.
He encouraged other patients with apnea not to be afraid of surgery, to communicate fully with their doctors and to understand their condition and the possibility of surgery.
Orthognathic surgery is not only a healthy reconstruction, but also a rebirth of life.
