Types of Jaw Surgery: 3 Reliable Orthognathic Surgeries

The beauty of a face lies in its balance and harmony; but for some, dental malocclusions or types of jaw surgery can be essential in restoring this balance, affecting functionality and overall quality of life. Fortunately, corrective procedures can restore proper function and appearance to the maxillofacial structures. Now, we will discover the fascinating world of orthognathic surgery, the most used techniques, and how they contribute to improving your health, aesthetics, and quality of life.

What is a Jaw Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, from the Greek “orthos” meaning “straight” and “gnathos” meaning “jaw,” is a subspecialty of maxillofacial surgery, that focuses on correcting deformities and misalignments of the jaws.

Through intraoral incisions, surgeons can modify or reposition the upper and lower jaws, fixing them with plates and screws, if necessary. With orthognathic surgery, the aim is to restore an adequate bite, facial harmony, and full respiratory function.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?

“Occlusion” refers to the way the teeth in the upper jaw fit with those in the lower jaw when we bite or close our mouth. A normal and healthy occlusion is essential to chew, speak, swallow, and breathe correctly. When this relationship is altered, it is said that there is a “malocclusion”.

Malocclusions are very common; however, not all are treated with surgery. There are two main types:

1. Dental malocclusion: When the relationship between the upper and lower teeth is altered due to abnormal dental positions. If you want to learn about the treatment of malocclusion, feel free to check out this article.

2. Skeletal malocclusion:  When the relationship between the position or size of the upper and lower jaw is altered. It can be caused by:

• Very large or protruded jaws.

• Very small or retracted jaws.

• A combination of the two conditions.

While dental and some mild skeletal malocclusions can be treated with orthodontics, severe skeletal malocclusions, which cause multiple functional and aesthetic problems, usually require orthognathic surgery.

Likewise, orthognathic surgery is also indicated for other types of shape alterations of the jaw or temporomandibular joint that can cause facial asymmetries, pain, and functional problems during the opening and closing of the mouth.

Types of Jaw Surgery & Surgical Techniques

There are several types of orthognathic surgery, with specific procedures for different situations. Below, we will explore some of the most common techniques used in orthognathic surgery:

Osteotomy

This is a very useful procedure to treat size or position anomalies of the jaws. An osteotomy involves making controlled cuts in the jaw bones, allowing surgeons to precisely reposition them. These cuts are usually made through intraoral incisions to minimize visible scarring.

The osteotomy can be limited to the upper or lower jaw, or performed in both jaws. The latter is known as bimaxillary osteotomy and is performed when the intervention in one of the two jaws is not enough to correct the alteration. Osteotomies can be of two types:

1. Advancement osteotomy
Advancement surgery involves moving one or both upper or lower jaws forward. This approach is used to correct bite problems and improve facial aesthetics. For example, in the case of a retruded jaw, jaw advancement surgery can reposition it to properly align with the upper jaw.

2. Setback osteotomy
Reverse surgery is the opposite process of forward surgery. It is used when one or both jaws must be repositioned backward. This may be necessary to correct an increased overbite.

Genioplasty

It is a procedure that focuses on the remodeling or realignment of the chin. It is often performed to correct facial asymmetries, improve the aesthetics of the jaw, or resolve problems with retrusion or protrusion of the chin.

This surgery is performed with minimal incisions in the mouth or jaw region, which minimizes visible scarring. Genioplasty significantly improves facial proportion and harmony, giving patients a more balanced facial appearance.

TMJ surgery

1. Arthrocentesis

TMJ arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting needles into the joint to remove fluid or lavage the joint cavity, thereby relieving the pain and inflammation that occurs in TMJ disorders.

2. Condylectomy

In some cases, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems may require a condylectomy, which involves partial or complete removal of the mandibular condyle, the part of the jaw that articulates with the skull at the TMJ. This technique is used to treat serious TMJ disorders, such as dental ankylosis (immobility of the joint), degeneration of the condyle, or frequent dislocations. It is also used to realign the jaw by correcting excessive growth of the mandibular condyle, a defect that could cause facial asymmetries.

3. ATM Replacement

It involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial prosthesis. This technique is used when other treatment options have failed and complete functional restoration of the TMJ is needed. Although it is a more invasive surgery, it can provide long-lasting relief for those suffering from severe TMJ problems.

Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery

1. Improves chewing function, allowing a proper bite that facilitates feeding and reduces the risk of digestive problems.

2. It can relieve symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, such as pain and limited mouth opening.

3. It transforms facial appearance, restoring harmony and symmetry, which in turn increases the patient’s confidence and self-esteem.

4. It can correct functional problems related to obstructive sleep apnea, improving the position of the jaws to allow proper airflow through the airways.

Recovery and Long-term Results

Being an invasive approach, postoperative complications of orthognathic surgery could include:

• Paresthesia (feeling of numbness).

• Edema

• Pain

• Difficulty chewing and limited mouth opening.

However, although recovery may take time, patients find that the lasting results make the surgical process worthwhile, providing a radiant smile and restoring facial harmony for many years to come.

A study published in 2019 showed that more than 85% of patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery were satisfied or very satisfied with the results when surveyed between 6 months and 3 years after surgery.

Conclusion

All types of jaw surgery are effective and long-lasting solutions for dental malocclusions and facial deformities. Through precise surgical techniques, this specialty not only restores chewing function and relieves pain, but it also transforms facial aesthetics. Its long-term results provide a greater quality of life and confidence to patients, achieving facial harmony that lasts over time.