Principles of Orthognathic Surgery

The treatment of dentofacial deformities has come a long way since 1897 when Vilray Blair, with Edward Angle’s coaxing, completed bilateral body osteotomies under chloroform anaesthesia to setback a prognathic mandible and establish an improved occlusion. Malpositioned teeth or obvious jaw deformities are usually recognised by people, and they seek orthodontist for treatment. More severe deformities that require a combination of orthodontics and surgery for correction are called dentofacial deformities. The American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) describes orthodontia as an area of dentistry that prevents, diagnoses and treats dental and facial irregularities. Different types of appliances are used to correct the dental deformities by slowly moving the teeth and retraining muscles. Orthognathic surgery: Combined orthodontic and surgical correction is considered the best treatment modality for dentoskeletal imbalances once growth has ceased. Although orthognathic surgery is associated with certain risks and challenges, it has become a more refined and less traumatic procedure for patients and therefore has become a reasonable treatment option.