Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a specialized surgical procedure aimed at correcting skeletal and dental irregularities in the jaw and face. It is typically performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to address severe cases that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. This surgery plays a crucial role in enhancing function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life for patients with complex jaw deformities.

1. Indications for Orthognathic Surgery

   Orthognathic surgery is indicated for a variety of functional and aesthetic issues, including:

   • Skeletal Malocclusion: Severe discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws (e.g., Class II or Class III malocclusions) that cannot be treated with braces alone.
   • Facial Asymmetry: Conditions like hemifacial microsomia or developmental deformities that result in asymmetrical jaw growth.
   • Open Bite: A vertical gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed, often linked to abnormal jaw growth patterns.
   • Sleep Apnea: For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused by structural issues in the jaw, surgery can help enlarge the airway.
   • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Severe TMJ dysfunction related to jaw misalignment.
   • Speech and Chewing Difficulties: Patients with jaw misalignment that impacts speech clarity and the ability to chew properly.

2. Treatment Options

   Orthognathic surgery involves precise surgical techniques to reposition the jaw(s) and correct
   imbalances. The main types include:

   • Maxillary Osteotomy: Repositioning of the upper jaw (maxilla) to correct issues such as an open bite, underbite, or crossbite.
   • Mandibular Osteotomy: Surgery to move the lower jaw (mandible) forward or backward to align it properly with the upper jaw.
   • Bimaxillary Surgery: A combination of maxillary and mandibular osteotomies when both jaws need repositioning for optimal results.
   • Genioplasty: Surgery to reshape or reposition the chin, often performed alongside other jaw surgeries to improve facial harmony.

   The surgical process typically involves a multidisciplinary team, including orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and sometimes speech therapists. Patients undergo a period of pre-surgical orthodontics to align the teeth, followed by surgery and post-surgical orthodontic treatment to achieve ideal results.

3. Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery

   • Functional Improvement: Correcting jaw alignment improves biting, chewing, and speaking capabilities. Patients often experience relief from TMJ pain and other discomforts related to jaw dysfunction.
   • Enhanced Aesthetics: By reshaping the jaw, orthognathic surgery can enhance facial symmetry and profile, leading to significant improvements in facial aesthetics and self-confidence.
   • Better Breathing: For patients with OSA, jaw surgery can enlarge the airway, improving breathing patterns, sleep quality, and overall health.
   • Long-term Stability: When performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery provides long-term stability of the jaw structure and bite alignment.

   Orthognathic surgery is a transformative procedure for individuals with severe jaw irregularities that cannot be corrected through orthodontics alone. With a focus on restoring function and aesthetics, this surgery offers substantial benefits, including improved quality of life, facial harmony, and relief from functional impairments. While it requires careful planning and a multidisciplinary approach, the results can be life-changing for those with significant jaw discrepancies.