Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, is the branch of maxillofacial surgery that allows for the correction of a wide range of deformities or anomalies of the facial skeleton and teeth.
It is one of the main sectors of Maxillofacial Surgery. With these interventions it is possible to completely correct the occlusion of the teeth, significantly improve the aesthetics of the face and at the same time correct those functional problems related to chewing, phonation and breathing.
Defects or problems that require jaw surgery may be:
– excessive growth of the lower part of the face (large or pronounced jaw, prognathism), with the presence of an underbite (class III malocclusion);
– poor development of the jaw (mandibular hypoplasia), with a receding chin and the presence of a large space between the upper and lower incisors (class II malocclusion);
– more or less serious dentofacial asymmetries , with deviation of the mandible and/or chin and/or upper jaw;
– alterations in occlusion that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone, such as deep bite (the upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth) and open bite (presence of space between the upper and lower incisors, with contact only at the level of the molars).
Therefore, these interventions are needed by those who do not have a harmonious and satisfactory occlusion and face shape; in some people the mandible and maxilla can grow in an uncoordinated way. Normally, we tend to think that the shape and position of the teeth, in cases where they are not aligned, can be resolved by the orthodontist, who however is able to work on the position of the teeth but not on the position and size of the bones that support the teeth. Orthognathic surgery therefore intervenes on the bones of the face, modifying the aesthetics of the face and the position of the bones and therefore of the teeth.
However, close collaboration between the orthodontist and the maxillofacial surgeon is essential, as pre-operative orthodontic treatment is always necessary, which can last, depending on the case, from one to two years.
All these interventions are performed intraorally, that is, without external scars on the face, and almost never involve rigid intermaxillary locking (that is, immobilization of the dental arches between them with metal wires); modern surgical fixation techniques allow for rapid functional recovery.
The final results of jaw surgery have positive and important effects on many aspects, aesthetic and functional, and on the patient's quality of life.
Orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery is performed exclusively by specialists in Maxillofacial Surgery.
To schedule and perform the procedure, you can contact Dr. Emanuele Zavattero, @dremanuelezavattero .
Interventions in TURIN, FORNACA CLINIC
Interventions in MILAN, COLUMBUS CLINIC
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