Orthognathic surgery

Bite correction via surgical intervention is recommended for patients whose bone growth period has already ended, not earlier than 18 years of age. The decision on an earlier operation can be made exclusively by a doctor after an examination.

Indications for surgical intervention

Bite correction — a set of measures for the correction of defects such as jaw asymmetry, bone tissue injuries, and dentition disorders — is highly necessary, but braces cannot always provide a tangible result. In such a case, an orthognathic operation should be performed. Examples of symptoms that can be a signal to visit a dentist and consult on the choice of a bite correction method:

• discomfort when chewing or closing the jaws;
• speech problems;
• non-closure or incomplete closure of the lips;
• any form of swallowing disorders.

If one or more symptoms are detected, you should not delay visiting a dental clinic. To begin with, we recommend calling the phone numbers listed on the website of our Med-Deo dental clinic to book a consultation with a doctor. The dentist will determine an effective method of bite correction and, if necessary, prescribe orthognathic surgery.

The final word in the decision to perform a bite correction surgery rests with the doctor. The reason for this is frequent visits from patients with a correct bite and facial symmetry who demand an operation to fix a defect they invented themselves. In such cases, the patient is refused the operation. Orthognathic surgical intervention improves the appearance by correcting defects, but this should not be confused with a complete change of appearance.

Bite correction at the Med-Deo dental clinic is performed by experienced surgeons involving additional specialized experts if a disease is suspected during the course of which orthognathic surgery may be contraindicated. Already at the first appointment, the doctor will conduct a complete examination and prescribe additional assessments if necessary. If it is possible or necessary to proceed with the operation in a short time, the nearest date for its performance will be scheduled and preparation recommendations will be provided.

An orthognathic operation is performed in several stages:

• Incision of soft tissues to expose the jawbone;
• Placement of bones in the correct position;
• Fixation of the jawbones with certified materials (plates, screws);
• Suturing of tissues;
• Securing with a special splint.

Orthognathic surgery requires a long rehabilitation period, which can last up to 5 months.

During this period, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations:

• prevent infection by taking a course of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor;
• do not remove the bandage for 24 hours after the orthognathic operation;
• regularly visit the dentist to check the position of the splint and the progress of recovery;
• consume food exclusively in liquid form.

Sutures are removed after 12-14 days, after which a special braces system is installed on the patient’s teeth. And after four months, the screw structure can be removed. Unpleasant but short-term (up to 4 days) symptoms that will have to be faced include: swelling, bruising, numbness in and around the area of surgical intervention, painful sensations when moving the jaw, and noticeable speech disorders. Additional information and consultation can be obtained at an appointment in the departments of the Med-Deo dental clinic in the city of Kyiv.