Methods of modern dentistry can change a person’s bite, align the dentition. But this usually does not lead to a significant improvement in appearance. And if a person has any pathologies in the structure of the jaw, orthognathic surgery can help him. This section of orthodontology, which is engaged not only in the correction of the bite itself, but also restores the symmetry and the correct proportions of the face. For example, changing the shape of the chin or lengthening the jaw cannot be achieved with the help of braces and other orthodontic designs. It is orthognathic surgery that makes appearance more attractive. It corrects severe facial deformities in the jaw area.
History of Orthognathic Surgery
This section of dentistry combines plastic medicine and maxillofacial surgery. Its goal is to achieve harmonious facial features. The name of this section comes from Latin words that translate as “straight jaw”. Initially, such operations were carried out only to correct the bite, while the shape of the face changed slightly. Their peculiarity was that they affected only the lower jaw, and incisions were made from the outside, as a result of which scars remained on the skin of the face.
But in 1965, a technique was developed for moving the upper jaw. After that, orthognathic surgery has become an effective way to change the shape of the face. The methods of conducting operations were constantly improved, and soon they began to be done using internal incisions. This made the patient's appearance more attractive. In recent years, the correction technique has become even more modern, now after it there are no scars and scars left at all.
Where is orthognathic surgery better developed?
Surgeons of Latvia, St. Petersburg and Moscow are considered the best in this profile. Similar operations can be done at the Riga Institute of Dentistry. In St. Petersburg, several medical centers performing such a correction. The most famous specialist in maxillofacial surgery is Dr. A. R. Andreishchev.
Orthognathic surgery in Moscow is especially famous. Specialists of the scientific and clinical center of otorhinolaryngology perform such operations using the most modern techniques, using their own developments as well. These are candidates of medical sciences, the best doctors of this profile in Russia A.N. Senyuk, I.N. Lyashev, M.A. Mokhirev and D.N. Nazaryan.
Types of operations
All of them solve one problem - correction of jaw defects and improving the appearance of the face. But depending on the individual characteristics and severity of the pathology, different operations are used for this:
- osteotomy of the upper jaw - moving it and fixing it with titanium plates;
- osteotomy of the lower jaw - setting it in the correct position;
- in some cases it is necessary to divide the jaw into several parts to increase it;
- the movement of the zygomatic bones ;
- genioplasty - cutting off the extra part of the chin and correcting the midline of the face;
- sometimes rhinoplasty, liposuction or lipolifting is required.
Indications for the operation
Usually small deformations of the jaw, malocclusion or uneven dentition are corrected with the help of bracket systems, crowns or veneers. But not in all cases, success can be achieved in this way. Often braces do not help or, conversely, worsen the patient's condition. If such orthodontic treatment is carried out with serious deformities of the jaw, this can lead to pathologies of the mandibular joint or even to dislocation of the teeth.
There are certain indications for orthognathic surgery, which allow such an intervention only if necessary. Usually these are situations:
- abnormal jaw size;
- asymmetry of the jaws;
- prognathic bite, in which the patient has a very small chin;
- strongly protruding lower jaw;
- gingival or asymmetric smile.
Contraindications
Orthognastic surgery is not shown to everyone. Some people want to perform such an operation without serious deformities. If the bite is correct, but he just doesn’t like the person’s appearance, the doctors do not undertake to treat him. In addition, there are certain contraindications for such operations:
- children and adolescents until the final formation of the jaws, that is, until about 18-21 years;
- bleeding disorder;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- pathology of the skeletal system;
- disruption of the endocrine glands;
- diabetes;
- nervous diseases.
What preparation is needed
Before the operation, it is necessary to undergo a full examination by a dentist. The doctor determines the parameters necessary for the proper operation of the temporomandibular joint, for the most complete closure of the jaws. In this case, the Dolphin computer program is used, which allows you to build a 3D model of harmonious facial features for a specific person. This template is used later during the operation.
But before embarking on orthognathic treatment, you need to at least slightly align the dentition. Braces or transparent mouth guards that must be worn for at least 2-3 months are used for this. Sometimes this period is delayed by 1-1.5 years.
How is the operation
Orthognathic surgery is a serious invasive treatment. Therefore, all operations take place in a hospital. General anesthesia is required. After all, the operation can last 5-6 hours. After it is necessary to see a doctor, so the patient remains in the hospital for several days. But even after discharge, he is advised to refrain from normal activities. Therefore, sick leave is given for up to 3 weeks.
Can there be complications
Typically, such operations are tolerated by patients as easily as possible. There may be a complication after the operation - this is numbness of the lips, which soon passes by itself and has even a positive effect: the patient does not feel pain. In addition, soft tissue edema, sore throat, speech impairment, nasal congestion, and slight nausea are sometimes found. To be sure of the success of the operation and in the absence of side effects, you need to choose a good clinic and qualified doctors.
In addition, compliance with several rules will also help to avoid unpleasant consequences, because the operation is performed under general anesthesia:
- Do not eat or drink at least 8 hours before surgery;
- try not to smoke the day before;
- Do not undergo surgery at the slightest ailment, fever, or intestinal upset.
Operation Results
Orthognastic surgery is able to transform the appearance of a person. Improving facial features helps him look younger and more attractive. This is necessary because the standard of beauty is the symmetrical shape of the face. In addition, a beautiful smile also attracts people. And a person with an irregular jaw shape is often simply embarrassed to smile, closes and loses self-confidence.
For different photos you can see what results orthognathic surgery helps to achieve. Before and after surgery, the patient often looks completely different. It can lengthen the jaw or make it shorter, change its position, change the shape and size of the chin. Due to this, facial features become more correct and appearance is transformed. The positive effect of the operation is also due to the fact that all the incisions are made from the inside, so the integrity of the external tissues is not violated.
In addition to obtaining an aesthetic result, such an operation helps to get rid of functional disorders, for example, from blurred speech, difficulty in chewing functions. And most importantly, orthognastic surgery improves the psychological state of the patient and increases his self-confidence.
Reviews about this correction
In fact, few people know what orthognathic surgery is. Reviews show that mainly correction of the bite is carried out using bracket systems. And only with serious deformities of the jaw, people decide on the operation. But those who have used such services, note that their appearance has changed for the better. Many, suffering for many years from speech disorders and malocclusion, suffering from an inferiority complex, changed after the operation. Orthognathic surgery even helps to rejuvenate for several years. Moreover, patients do not notice any side effects or complications after the operation.
Orthognathic surgery is what helps to change the appearance for the better with serious problems in the structure of the jaws. Modern methods of conducting operations make such a correction safe and effective.