Correcting Jaw Surgery and Protrusion Surgery: It Must Be Considered with Orthodontics

 Nowadays, the obligation to wear masks indoors has almost disappeared. Consequently, there is a growing interest in facial shapes that were previously hidden by masks. Particularly, there has been increased interest in the mouth area, which was entirely covered by masks.

Surgical procedures for improving the face can be broadly categorized into two types. First is surgery that refines the outer contour of the face, known as facial contouring surgery. This includes surgeries such as cheekbone reduction, jaw reduction (square jaw surgery), and chin surgery (V-line surgery). The second type involves surgeries performed on the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible), including orthognathic surgery and protrusion surgery. Especially these days, there is significant interest in surgeries related to the mouth, such as orthognathic surgery and protrusion surgery.

For those considering orthognathic or protrusion surgery to address dissatisfaction with their mouth, there are essential considerations. Both of these surgeries involve procedures on the jawbones, which include teeth, making them closely related to dental occlusion. Therefore, an evaluation of occlusion is essential from the stage of considering surgery. Neglecting dental issues while focusing only on facial appearance can lead to significant functional problems.

Problems such as protruding jaws, facial asymmetry, or malocclusion accompanied by teeth misalignment due to jawbone issues, like jaw protrusion, require not only orthodontic correction but also surgical correction to change the improperly positioned jawbone. Misconceptions often arise among the general public that corrective jaw surgery solves malocclusion associated with jawbone abnormalities. However, jaw surgery merely repositions the jawbone functionally, and additional orthodontic treatment is essential to ensure proper teeth alignment.

Even in cases where surgery is needed due to jawbone abnormalities severe enough to warrant jaw surgery, there is often a compensatory effect among teeth, providing some level of occlusion functionality. Surprisingly, some patients may not perceive any discomfort because they have never experienced well-aligned teeth. When considering orthognathic or protrusion surgery, it is crucial to receive consultation on occlusal issues and understand that surgical and orthodontic treatments must go hand in hand.

It may seem straightforward to improve poorly aligned occlusion by moving the teeth through jaw surgery or protrusion surgery. However, in reality, postoperative orthodontic treatment is crucial. When performing orthognathic surgery or protrusion surgery, it is essential to evaluate the current occlusal state, collaborate between oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists from the planning stage, and consider postoperative orthodontic plans. In most cases, finishing orthodontic treatment is necessary.

For instance, when the jawbones have grown in a way that causes malocclusion, such as protruding jaws or protrusion, our body compensates by tilting the teeth forward or backward, or left and right. This compensatory tooth movement occurs to restore occlusal functionality. However, simply moving the tilted teeth to a position where they fit together well through surgical procedures does not immediately restore perfect dental occlusion. Postoperative orthodontic treatment is necessary to improve dental occlusion after surgery.

Orthognathic surgery or protrusion surgery involves not only the skills of a single surgical specialist but also collaboration with orthodontic specialists. From the diagnosis stage to the surgical planning stage, joint planning between oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontic specialists is essential. Choosing a hospital for jaw surgery or protrusion surgery requires careful consideration, as it is not solely the domain of a surgical specialist but requires a thorough understanding of surgical and orthodontic plans to prevent complications or re-correction due to relapse. FaceLine Plastic Surgery has maintained a close collaboration with FaceLine Dental (Orthodontics) since its early days in the early 2000s. The accumulated extensive data and know-how have made personalized treatment possible for each individual.

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