Moving of jaws / orthognathic surgery
There are two reasons for wanting to change the position of the upper or lower jaw. Most often it is a combination of the two:
- Aesthetic reason (too strong or too weak looking jaws, unpleasant position of teeth)
- Functional reason (problems with the way the teeth meet, snoring et cetera)
The speciality of maxillo-facial surgery has developed highly complex operative techniques and special instruments, which allow moving the upper and lower jaw as a whole, or in part. Astonishingly enough, the maxillo-facial-surgeon can perform these operations from inside of the mouth, so that external scars are avoided.
It is obvious, that complete dental and medical studies as well as the completion of specialist maxillo-facial surgery training, are the basis on which this surgery should be performed. For superior results, the maxillo-facial surgeon with collaborate with an orthodontist and a dentist, who will need to treat the patient before and after the operation.
Moving the upper jaw / maxilla
Before embarking in an operation to move the upper jaw, meticulous planning with dental study models and x-rays needs to be done. This serves the purpose of defining, which part of the patients anatomy deviates from the ideal, so that the best treatment plan can be made.
Method
During the operation, the upper jaw is partially or completely loosened from the skull by cutting the bone above the roots of the teeth. Thereafter, the bone can be moved into the new position, in order to fixate it there. Healing is just like in any other fracture of the facial skeleton.
Procedure
| Duration of operation: | 1-2 hours to jaw |
| Anesthetic: | usually general anaesthetic |
| Hospital stay: | 2 or 4 overnight stays |
| Removal of sutures: | 1 or 2 weeks postop |
| Ok to go out: | 2 weeks postop |
Moving the lower jaw / mandible
Changing the position of the lower jaw requires meticulous planning with x-rays and study models. Sophisticated surgical technique allows doing the whole operation from inside of the mouth, so that external scars are avoided.
Method
The lower jaw is to be cut into pieces, which are then brought into the required position and fixated there. After the jaw is healed, it is as stable as before the operation.
Procedure
| Duration of operation: | 1-2 hours to jaw |
| Anesthetic: | usually general anaesthetic |
| Hospital stay: | 2 or 4 overnight stays |
| Removal of sutures: | 1 or 2 weeks postop |
| Ok to go out: | 2 weeks postop |