Orthognathism is a branch of jaw surgery that deals with diagnosing, preventing, and treating facial and jaw anomalies. The term comes from Greek, with ortho meaning “straight” and gnathos meaning “pine.” Orthognathic surgery aims to correct jaw misalignments that cannot be treated with orthodontic measures alone.
Application areas:
Orthognathic surgery is used to treat various problems caused by jaw misalignment. These include dysgnathia (jaw misalignment), severe overbites or underbites, crossbites and other irregularities that affect function and aesthetics.
Procedure:
Typical procedures in orthognathic surgery are the Le Fort I osteotomy (for the upper jaw), the sagittal split (for the lower jaw) and the chin osteotomy (chin correction). These procedures involve cutting and repositioning the jaw bones to achieve better alignment and function.
Goals:
The main goals of orthognathic surgery are to improve jaw function, relieve discomfort caused by jaw misalignment (such as difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing), and improve facial aesthetics.
Team approach:
Orthognathic surgery requires close collaboration between oral surgeons, orthodontists and other specialists. This ensures that all aspects of the deformity are considered and optimised for both functional and aesthetic results.
Orthognathic surgery can significantly improve patients’ quality of life by helping them restore normal jaw function and increase their self-confidence. Careful planning and follow-up care are crucial to achieve optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.
