What Is Orthognathic Surgery and When Is It Recommended?
What is specialist orthognathic surgery?
Dr Panagiotis Sennis describes orthognathic surgery as a surgical procedure used to reposition one or both jaws in order to correct their relationship and improve the alignment of the teeth.
The procedure may be recommended to address problems involving breathing, speech and chewing, while also improving facial harmony and the balance of the jaw and chin.
What can orthognathic surgery correct?
Orthognathic surgery may be performed to correct a range of functional and skeletal problems, including:
- An underdeveloped or excessively prominent lower jaw
- Misalignment of the upper and lower jaws
- Facial asymmetry or disproportion
- Chronic jaw pain
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Tooth wear associated with bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Speech difficulties
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Chronic mouth breathing
When conventional orthodontic treatment is not enough
Some patients have bite problems that result primarily from the position or development of the jaws rather than from the position of the teeth alone.
These problems may include severe malocclusion, excessive overbite, underbite, open bite or a bite in which only certain teeth come into contact.
In such cases, orthodontic treatment alone may not be sufficient to correct the underlying skeletal problem, and orthognathic surgery may be required as part of a combined orthodontic and surgical treatment plan.
It has been estimated that around 10% of patients with significant bite-alignment problems may benefit from jaw surgery rather than orthodontic treatment alone.
Dr Panagiotis Sennis uses modern technology for the planning of complex facial and jaw procedures. With 3D treatment-planning software such as Simplant, a virtual model of the patient’s facial and skeletal anatomy can be created before surgery.
This allows detailed planning of the jaw movements and helps improve surgical accuracy and preparation before the procedure.
Could you benefit from orthognathic surgery?
Dr Panagiotis Sennis and his team at the Athens Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centre provide specialist assessment and treatment for patients with functional or skeletal jaw problems that may require orthognathic surgery.
Patients who are considering orthognathic surgery can call 210 6824604 to schedule an appointment and discuss the available treatment options.
Orthognathic surgery is a specialized procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct the position of the jaws. The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthesia and may involve the upper jaw, lower jaw or both jaws.
Orthodontic treatment is usually an important part of the overall process. It may begin before surgery to prepare the teeth and continue afterwards to complete the final alignment of the bite.
Careful surgical planning, postoperative follow-up and adherence to the surgeon’s instructions are essential for proper healing and for achieving a stable functional and aesthetic result.