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ORTHOGNATHIC (JAW) SURGERY

Orthognathic surgery is the treatment of facial, airway and bite discrepancies by moving the jaws (gnathic) into the correct (ortho) position for proper esthetics and function.

Orthognathic surgery can involve the upper jaw or maxilla (LeFort osteotomy) and/or the lower jaw or mandible (bilateral sagittal split osteotomies).

"On a recent round at the hospital, my patient who had orthognathic surgery yesterday commented, 'my breathing is amazing! I can't believe how much better it is, its so obvious!' This is not an uncommon experience but I am always impressed by the comments of orthognathic surgery patients about their positive breathing changes. What a great field to work in where I can have such a positive effect on the face, airway and bite, all at the same time. Its been a good week! Thanks team."
—Dr. Michael Gunson

Case Study: Esthetic Treatment Planning

A. 18-year old female patient with upper jaw growth restriction, mandibular condylar resorption and anterior open bite. She also has functional problems because of excessive interlabial gap.

B. Seven-step cephalometric treatment plan (CTP) – surgical movements needed to correct face, airway, and bite (FAB). Significant bimaxillary counter-clockwise advancements were required.

C. 1 year, 3 months after bimaxillary counterclockwise advancement surgery – note the definition of the mandible, the support of the lips and the correction of the interlabial gap. The joints are stable.

Read More about Esthetic Treatment Planning for Orthognathic Surgery in Drs. G. William Arnett and Michael J. Gunson published article in The Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, April 2010.

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