Types Of Orthognathic Surgery

8 June 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Orthognathic surgeries can help correct dental conditions that include TMJ syndrome, misalignment, and sleep apnea, which usually alter your jaw and facial structure. Generally, these dental conditions result in pain and problems during biting and chewing. Orthodontic procedures such as Invisalign or braces installation can't treat these conditions. Hence, orthognathic surgery is the best treatment approach. There are various orthognathic operations, but the choice of procedure depends on the jaw issue that needs correction. These are the different corrective jaw surgeries to consider.

Maxillary Osteotomy

Surgeons perform this operation on the maxilla (upper jaw). This orthognathic surgery helps treat these conditions:

  • Open bites: When the molars remain detached after closing your mouth, this is an open bite.
  • Crossbites: A crossbite occurs when some lower teeth remain outside the top teeth when you close your mouth.
  • Midfacial hyperplasia: This condition is characterized by the reduction of growth in your face's middle area.

Orthognathic operations can help treat these problems.

During this operation, surgeons cut the gums on the maxilla to access the bones. After that, the surgeon cuts through the bones to facilitate jaw movement as one unit. The doctors then shift the maxilla forward to align with the bottom teeth and reinforce the adjusted bones with screws. Finally, the surgeons close the incisions.

Mandibular Osteotomy

This orthognathic surgery is for the mandibles (lower jaws). Usually, doctors use this corrective jaw surgery to correct protruding or retreating mandibles. The operation entails cutting the mandible behind the back teeth. Then the surgeon cuts the mandible and adjusts it to take a new posture. Finally, the surgeons install screws to reinforce the lower jaw and close up the incision.

Bimaxillary Osteotomy

Doctors perform this operation on the maxilla and mandible. The operation entails placing either the maxilla or mandible in the proper position. However, this form of orthognathic surgery can be complicated as it may involve adjusting your two jaws. Therefore, surgeons may utilize 3-D software during this procedure.

Genioplasty

Genioplasty surgery can help fix a chin that's retreating. During this procedure, the doctor incises the gum near the lower lip and the chin bone. Then, the doctor moves the chin bone accordingly, supports the chin using plates, and closes the cut with some stitches.

Genioplasty, maxillary, mandibular, and bimaxillary osteotomy are the common types of orthognathic surgery. Consider these procedures if you want to correct jaw, chin, or face alignment issues that you may have.