ORTHOGNATIC SURGERY

WHAT IS ORTHOGNATIC SURGERY?
Sometimes braces are insufficient to correct the asymmetrical appearances of the lower and upper jaws or the position of the jaws relative to each other. In cases where growth and development cannot be directed, the surgical approach for the regulation of jaw relations is called orthognathic surgery. It is a situation that we hear more often as jaw surgery among the public.

IN WHICH SITUATIONS IS ORTHOGNATIC SURGERY NECESSARY?
In the incompatibility of the lower and upper jaw positions, in cases where the jaws are narrow compared to each other, in cases of asymmetry in the jaws, in patients who need to expand the airway (lower jaw retraction), in cases where the upper jaw is left behind due to excessive growth of the lower jaw, the gingival appearance is excessive and the gingival regulation is not sufficient. In cases, this method is applied to rearrange the profile in patients who are not happy with their profile esthetically.

DOES IT ALSO MAKE ORTHOGNATIC SURGERY AN ORTHODONTIST?
Orthognathic surgery is a team effort. It consists of 2 stages. First of all, the teeth must be placed in the correct position on the jaw by the orthodontist. With the measurements made after this arrangement, the correct position of the jaws is determined and a guide is prepared. According to this guide and planning, the maxillofacial surgeon or plastic surgeon ensures that the jaws are brought to the planned position with the surgery. Finally, the patient arranges the last movements of the teeth for the final closure with his orthodontist and finishes the treatment.

DOES EVERY ORTHODONTIST PREPARE FOR JAW SURGERY?
This field in orthodontics is an area that requires additional training and experience. For this reason, the number of orthodontists working specifically in this field is very low.

DOES EVERY JAW SURGERY OR PLASTIC SURGERY DO THESE SURGERIES?
These surgeries are a special field of study for both maxillofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons. For this reason, not every surgeon or plastic surgeon does this surgery. Also, this planning is a team effort. For this reason, orthodontists often prefer to work with specific surgeons.

IS ORTHOGNATIC SURGERY RISKY?
Like any surgery, there are risks in jaw surgery. All these risks are explained to you in detail by your orthodontist, maxillofacial surgeon or plastic surgeon during the examination phase.

CAN EVERYONE HAVE JAW SURGERY?
Anyone who does not prevent any surgery in terms of their general health in the analyzes and tests to be performed can have surgery after the necessary preparations are made.

IS THERE A SCAR AFTER JAW SURGERY?
Since all surgical stages are done through the mouth, no scars are left.

DOES IT HAPPEN MUCH AFTER JAW SURGERY?
Swelling and bruising may occur during the recovery period after jaw surgery. The medications and ice application recommendations, which are mostly given after the procedures, help to minimize these swelling and bruises.

WILL MY MOUTH STAY CLOSED AFTER JAW SURGERY?
After chin surgery, the mouth usually stays connected with the guide put in between for about 2 weeks. Only your orthodontist should open it during this time, do the necessary cleaning and close it again.

HOW CAN I FEED DURING THIS TIME WHEN MY JAW IS CLOSED?
During this period, which is kept closed after jaw surgery, high-protein drinks or soup-like foods are recommended. These foods are mostly consumed with the help of a straw. After this closed period, they can slowly start chewing soft foods and consume them.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY DAILY LIFE AFTER JAW SURGERY?
It may be necessary to stay in the hospital for one or two days after the operation. You can walk home from the hospital. Rest at home is usually recommended for the first week. At the end of the first week, the mouth is started to be opened and closed with elastic bands. Afterwards, mouth opening and closing exercises are recommended. After the swelling and bruises are gone, you can return to your daily life.