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Orthognathic surgery

What is orthognathic surgery? 

Antonio Marino Maxilofacial

Cirugía Ortognática Maxilofacial Avanzada

Líderes en cirugía ortognática 3d en Chile

Orthognathic surgery is a type of procedure within maxillofacial surgery that is responsible for correcting deformities and abnormalities in the maxillary bones and mandible. Our team of surgeons has performed more than 500 orthognathic surgeries over 15 years. This maxillofacial operation is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital. Next, we present a complete guide on this surgical intervention and its benefits, the price of an orthognathic surgery in Chile and before and after an orthognathic surgery.

Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct dental malocclusions, that is, the incorrect alignment of the teeth and the position of the maxillary and mandibular bones. this surgery maxillofacialIt allows to improve both the functionality and the facial aesthetics of the patient.

An orthognathic surgery is the treatment for a class II or a class III. They usually call themorthognathic class 2ororthognathic class 3

Classification of anomalies

Before carrying out orthognathic surgery, the patient must be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team made up of a maxillofacial surgeon, an orthodontist and an anesthesiologist. The evaluation includes:

  • Anamnesis and clinical examination.

  • Analysis of dental models and radiographs.

  • Orthodontic treatment planning before and after surgery.

Evaluation process prior to surgery

Orthognathic surgery is indicated for those patients who present:

  1. Dental malocclusions: when the upper and lower teeth do not fit properly when closing the mouth.

  2. Skeletal deformities: such as prognathism (prominent jaw), retrognathism (retracted jaw) or facial asymmetry.

  3. Functional problems: Difficulties chewing, speaking or breathing due to the position of the jawbones and jaw.

The goals of orthognathic surgery include:

  • Correct dental malocclusion and improve occlusion.

  • Improve the facial aesthetics of the patient.

  • Solve functional problems, such as chewing and phonation.

Indications and objectives of orthognathic surgery: 

After orthognathic surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling and discomfort in the operated area. The maxillofacial surgeon will provide detailed instructions on postoperative care, including:

  • Use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Liquid or soft diet for the first few weeks.

  • Oral hygiene care with rinsing and soft brushing.

  • Avoid intense physical activities and sun exposure.

  • Go to regular reviews with the surgeon and orthodontist.

  • Oral hygiene care with rinsing and soft brushing.

Check the following link:

Diet after orthognathic surgery. Maxillofacial operation, recovery 

Types of orthognathic surgery

The types of orthognathic surgery are many:

  • Maxilla

  • Jaw

  • Condyles and asymmetries

  • Mentoplasties

  • Combined surgeries

Another way to classify them is according to the diagnosis:

  • Class II surgeries: those performed for patients with small jaws, many times with apnea.

  • Class III surgeries: those performed for patients with prominent jaws, undershot jaws, prognathisms, or large jaws

Class II orthognathic surgery

Class II is a type of malocclusion that generally involves an excess projection of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw, known as an overbite. This condition can be associated with problems with sleep apnea and bruxism, due to the position of the jaw and the misalignment of the teeth. In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct the overbite and improve respiratory function and overall oral health. The surgery involves an advancement of the upper jaw to align it with the lower jaw and improve dental alignment.

Class III orthognathic surgery

Class III is another type of malocclusion that involves excessive protrusion of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw, known as mandibular prognathism. This condition can also be associated with sleep apnea and bruxism problems, as well as a sunken facial appearance and crossbite. In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct jaw prognathism and improve dental and facial alignment. The surgery involves a setback of the lower jaw to align it with the upper jaw and improve facial aesthetics and masticatory function.

Before and after orthognathic surgery
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Orthognathic and orthodontic surgery

Orthognathic surgery is usually accompanied by orthodontic treatment before and after the intervention. The objective of orthodontic treatment is to align the teeth and prepare the maxillary and mandible bones for surgery, as well as to maintain the results obtained after the maxillofacial operation..

In general, orthodontic treatment prior to surgery lasts between 12 and 18 months, while orthodontic treatment after surgery can last from 6 to 12 months.

We operate in different clinics, currently most of the surgeries are performed in clíncia redsalud Providencia ex avansalud.

avansalud...

In which clinics are orthognathic surgeries performed?

Selection criteria for a maxillofacial surgeon

To ensure the success of orthognathic surgery, it is essential to select a maxillofacial surgeon with experience and training in this area. Some criteria to consider when choosing a professional include:

  1. Academic training: The maxillofacial surgeon must have a solid academic training and specialization in orthognathic surgery.

  2. Experience: It is important to choose a surgeon with experience in performing orthognathic surgeries similar to the patient's case.

  3. Certifications: It is advisable to verify the surgeon's certifications and affiliations with professional societies and colleges of surgeons.

  4. Communication: The surgeon must be able to communicate clearly and respond to all of the patient's questions and concerns.

Criterios de selección de un cirujano maxilofacial

  1. Investiga y aclara tus dudas: Infórmate sobre el procedimiento, los riesgos, los beneficios y el proceso de recuperación. Habla con tu cirujano y resuelve cualquier inquietud que puedas tener.

  2. Establece expectativas realistas: Comprende que la cirugía ortognática puede mejorar tu apariencia y función, pero es importante tener expectativas realistas sobre los resultados.

  3. Habla con otros pacientes: Conectar con personas que han pasado por una cirugía ortognática te permitirá obtener una perspectiva más cercana sobre el proceso y los resultados. Puedes unirte a grupos de apoyo en línea o preguntar a tu cirujano si conoce a pacientes dispuestos a compartir sus experiencias.

  4. Mantén una actitud positiva: Adopta un enfoque optimista y enfócate en los aspectos positivos del procedimiento, como la mejora en tu calidad de vida y autoestima.

  5. Practica técnicas de relajación: Aprende técnicas de relajación, como la respiración profunda, la meditación o el yoga, para ayudarte a manejar el estrés y la ansiedad antes de la cirugía.

  6. Cuenta con el apoyo de tus seres queridos: Comparte tus preocupaciones y emociones con tus amigos y familiares. Su apoyo emocional y comprensión pueden ser fundamentales en este proceso.

  7. Planifica tu recuperación: Organiza con anticipación el tiempo que necesitarás para descansar y recuperarte después de la cirugía. Asegúrate de tener un espacio tranquilo y cómodo en casa, así como el apoyo necesario para atender tus necesidades durante la recuperación.

  8. Consulta con un profesional de salud mental: Si sientes que la ansiedad o el estrés previos a la cirugía son abrumadores, considera consultar con un psicólogo o terapeuta para obtener ayuda y orientación.

Recomendaciones previas a tu cirugía

  • What is orthognathic surgery?
    Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure performed to correct deformities of the jaw and face.
  • Who is a candidate for orthognathic surgery?
    People who have deformities of the jaw and face, such as a protruding maxilla or receding mandible, may be candidates for orthognathic surgery.< /p>
  • How long does orthognathic surgery last?
    The duration of orthognathic surgery varies depending on the individual case, but can last several hours.
  • How long does the hospitalization last?
    Each case is different but 95% of our patients are discharged the day after their surgery. If we perform the procedure on a Saturday morning, the patient can return home the following day in the afternoon. You should not be lying down when you get home, you require relative rest that includes not doing physical activity that involves strength, but in general patients recover semi-sitting or next to their computers.
  • Is the postoperative painful?
    In general the pain is mild-moderate, with analogues the degree of pain is very low. There is presence of anesthesia rather than pain in the area. There is damage to the sensory nerves in the area, therefore sensitivity and pain are clearly decreased for a variable period. There are cases in which the patient has more pain than others, but it is not usual. What they usually manifest is a lot of discomfort due to the edema and the care associated with food and hygiene.
  • Is a medical license required?
    Yes. Usually there are 3 or 4 weeks of medical leave. After this time, the patient is able to resume his work activities and can gradually increase the consistency of food.
  • Do the isapres cover this treatment?
    Yes. Indeed, the isapres cover this type of surgery. the procedures are coded by fonase. It is essential to verify the coverage percentage of your plan, the limits and if they are free choice or only with preferred providers. On many occasions, health plans have free choice but the limits are low. The best thing to do is to have a plan without limits. We remind you that within your isapre you can change your plan and pre-stocks are maintained and respected by law. It is different if they change from one isapre to another. We recommend having free choice plans with good hospital coverage.
  • Does the face swell?
    Yes, a lot. There is a lot of edema all over the face, sometimes ecchymosis (bruises) appears. This edema slowly disappears. Since the surgery changes the position of the facial bones and fixes them in the right place, there is great swelling of the entire face. Since the surgery is performed through the mouth, the tissues are pulled and the lips split. This inflammation recovers slowly, a significant percentage lasts about four weeks. Then there is a slow recovery that can last months.
  • What is the modern technology available for this treatment?
    Simplant OMS, Nemoceph 3d and Dolphin Imaging 3d are the main tools available in Europe and the United States: With these systems we carry out a detailed diagnosis, three-dimensional treatment planning and the preparation of all the necessary guides for the moment of the operation Dolphin Imaging 3d is the most powerful tool available in the world, it is used in implantology to plan complex surgeries and in Maxillofacial Surgery to plan and predict the results of our surgeries. It is within the reach of our patients, we have 8 years of experience and close to 200 cases operated and planned digitally. Within reach of our patients. With a dental maxillofacial tomography, the complete image of our patient is acquired. In Chile, radiological centers have the necessary equipment and the exams have similar values to conventional studies. Then, with the CD loaded with the tomography, we process the image and plan our surgery. We evaluate the case, perform the surgery and obtain the 3d printed guides. We have four 3d printers and two intraoral scanners to register the dental models of our patients. that way we can register and transfer an exact copy of the patient to his mouth.
  • How long does it take to recover from orthognathic surgery?
    Recovery from orthognathic surgery can take several weeks, and it is important to follow your surgeon's instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
  • What type of anesthesia is used during orthognathic surgery?
    General anesthesia is usually used for orthognathic surgery.
  • Is the recovery process painful?
    It is normal to experience pain and discomfort after surgery, but your surgeon may prescribe medication to help control the pain.
  • Are there risks associated with orthognathic surgery?
    As with any surgery, there are risks associated with orthognathic surgery, including infection, bleeding, and anesthetic complications. With current technologies the risks are extremely low. It is a surgery with careful planning and preparation.
  • Is it possible for the teeth to move after orthognathic surgery?
    Teeth may shift after orthognathic surgery, so it's important to follow your surgeon's recommendations for braces and dental care.< /span>
  • How long should an orthodontic appliance be worn after orthognathic surgery?
    The length of time an orthodontic appliance must be worn after orthognathic surgery varies depending on the individual case, but can generally last from six months to a year.
  • Can you eat solid food after orthognathic surgery?
    In the first few days after orthognathic surgery, you may be on a liquid or soft diet, but you can eventually return to solid foods.< /p>
  • How is follow-up done after orthognathic surgery?
    It's important to keep follow-up appointments with your surgeon and orthodontist to make sure your recovery is progressing smoothly
  • Could a second orthognathic surgery be needed?
    It is not common but in some cases, it may be necessary to perform a second orthognathic surgery to achieve the desired results.
  • How does orthognathic surgery affect facial appearance?
    Orthognathic surgery can improve facial appearance by correcting deformities and improving facial symmetry.
  • Can speech changes be experienced after orthognathic surgery?
    You may experience speech changes after orthognathic surgery, but this is usually temporary and should improve over time.
  • Is the extraction of wisdom molars painful?
    The wisdom molar extraction procedure can be somewhat uncomfortable, but the pain can be managed with anesthesia and pain medication.
  • Cost of orthognathic surgery
    In Chile there is a wide range of values. The public system does not charge for the procedure and in the private system the range is between 8,000 and 20,000 dollars. The value of our clinic is in the lower price range because we want to be closer to many, the value depends on the diagnosis and the type of procedure to be performed.

New Providence 2155 tower b of 1210

Phone: +56222336360

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