What is the meaning of orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to correct and improve the function, appearance, and harmony of the jaws and face. It is commonly performed to treat various jaw and facial deformities, including:

1. Malocclusion: Orthognathic surgery can be used to correct malocclusion, which refers to an improper alignment of the teeth and jaws. This can include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other bite problems.

2. Jaw Asymmetry: Surgery can address jaw asymmetry, where one jaw is significantly larger or smaller than the other. This can improve facial balance and aesthetics.

3. Facial Injuries: Orthognathic surgery can be used to repair and reconstruct the jaws after severe facial injuries or trauma.

4. Sleep Apnea and Airway Obstruction: In some cases, orthognathic surgery can be used to correct certain types of sleep apnea and improve breathing difficulties related to jaw position.

5. Congenital Defects: It can also be used to treat congenital jaw and facial deformities present from birth, such as cleft lip and palate.

6. TMJ Disorders: Orthognathic surgery can sometimes be performed to alleviate chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders when conservative treatments have failed.

7. Aesthetic Reasons: In some instances, orthognathic surgery may be performed solely for aesthetic purposes to improve facial appearance and balance.

Orthognathic surgery is typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and may involve moving and realigning the jaws, repositioning the teeth, or reshaping the jaw bones. Pre-surgical planning and collaboration with other specialists like orthodontists and plastic surgeons may be necessary to achieve the best outcomes.