What is orthognathic surgery (maxillofacial surgery)?
It is a surgical method which helps to fix shape, form and relation defects of lower and upper jaws. It is colloquially known as jaw surgery.
Where do orthognathic surgery operations take place? Do you perform them?
In such cases, orthodontists and plastic surgeons work together. Such maxillofacial surgeries are performed at a general hospital under general anesthesia.
Are orthodontic and orthognathic surgeries different operations?
Orthognathic surgery is an operation which is performed during the orhodontic treatment period. Both treatments cannot be performed separately. For example, orthognathic surgery is performed when the 2/3 of an orthodontic treatment of totally 2 years is completed. After the surgery, orthodontic treatment continues for approximately 4 months.
I want to be treated only wearing braces without maxillofacial surgery?
For example, let’s assume that your lower jaw is far too forward. Beginning from the time the braces are attached, teeth start to line up and the upward position of the jaw becomes more apparent. In addition, there will not be a proper bite occlusion. As a result, the existing appearance will become worse.
If I only have tooth extraction, will not be any need for maxillofacial surgery?
In rare cases, the treatment is performed without surgery with tooth extraction. However, the appearance does not become any better (because there are no changes in terms of bones). When you are examined by your doctor, he may still suggest maxillofacial surgery.
We visited an orthodontist. He suggested surgery. We are looking for an orthodontist who will treat us without surgery?
Unfortunately, many of our patients come to us with this purpose. Most of the people who need surgery are usually detected by an orthodontist by only looking at their profile as soon as they take a step into the clinic.
Are such operations performed frequently?
Such maxillofacial surgeries are carried out in our country for a very long time. There are certain plastic surgeons with whom orthodontists work together. These surgeons carry out these surgeries very frequently and very successfully.
There is a plastic surgeon that we know. Can you perform it with him/her?
Such cases are team work. Your orthodontist has to have had experience with the surgeon. Some plastic surgeons only focus on certain surgeries such as nose and breasts. Thus, they need to be searched very well. Your orthodontist would recommend you an experienced doctor. I would be better to decide together after examination.
Are orthognathic surgery operations risky?
Every surgery that is performed under general anesthesia has certain risks. No doctor can say that it is not risky for any operation. Boarding the plane is also risky but the plane is used very frequently in daily life.
Are there any operation scars left?
The surgery is performed inside the mouth. There are no operations on your face. So, there are no operation scars left. There will only be swelling on the face due to fluid retention but this swelling recovers very quickly.
Will there be pain after maxillofacial surgery?
You will be given painkillers after the operation. It is normal that you have gradually decreasing pain for 1-3 days.
When will I be discharged from the hospital?
Under normal circumstances, you will be discharged the following day. Your doctor would examine you next morning after surgery. He decides to discharge you after this control.
What will happen after maxillofacial surgery?
The jaws will be left tied with rubber stoppers for 1 week in order for the bones to knit. You can change these rubbers. You will be fed with liquids during this period. You will be able to walk at home 2 days after surgery. You visit your doctor 1 week after your maxillofacial surgery.
In this control, your mouth will be unbandaged and you will be taught open-close exercises. After this phase, the use of rubbers will gradually decrease.
Orthodontic treatment (approximately 4 months) continues and then your braces are removed.
