As with any surgical procedure, orthognathic surgery requires careful preparation to ensure a good outcome and avoid potential complications. Close collaboration between the orthodontist and the maxillofacial surgeon is vital in this regard. These two professionals play an essential role, and their coordination is key to achieving optimal results and minimising risks. Below, we examine how this cooperation contributes to the success of the procedure, what roles each specialist plays, and how their joint efforts benefit patients.
Two specialists working in harmony
A strong partnership and smooth communication between the orthodontist and the maxillofacial surgeon are essential for a successful orthognathic surgery. Whilst the surgeon must understand the orthodontic approach, the orthodontist must have a clear understanding of the pre-surgical objectives and the limitations of the procedure. Good results depend on an accurate diagnosis, meticulous planning and the combination of both specialists’ expertise. They must, therefore, be in sync.
In orthognathic surgery, these two professionals take on distinct yet complementary roles. The orthodontist prepares the teeth prior to the operation, positioning them correctly using orthodontic appliances. This process is crucial because it ensures that, following surgery, the teeth will be aligned with the jaws. This, in turn, will allow for correct occlusion and improved chewing function. The maxillofacial surgeon, for their part, is responsible for carrying out the operation that will alter the position and alignment of the facial bones. The aim, in any case, is to correct skeletal deformities that negatively affect both the aesthetics and balance of the face and certain basic functions, including biting, breathing and even speech. The surgery involves cutting and repositioning parts of the lower jaw, the upper jaw or both, and its success depends on prior orthodontic preparation.
The essential role of communication
Coordination between the orthodontist and the maxillofacial surgeon is essential throughout the entire orthognathic surgery process – before, during and after the operation. During the planning phase, both professionals must work together to develop a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan. This plan requires constant communication to ensure that all aspects and steps to be taken are properly managed.
If this collaboration is inadequate, problems may arise. For example, if the orthodontist does not prepare the teeth optimally due to a lack of information about the surgery, the surgeon may encounter difficulties in performing the procedure correctly or in achieving the set objectives. If the surgeon does not clearly communicate the details of the modifications they plan to make to the jawbones, the orthodontist might align the teeth incorrectly, leading to a poor bite and unsatisfactory aesthetics.
Only when there is proper coordination between the two can significant benefits be achieved. Planning enables the orthodontist to reposition the teeth in an ideal position for the surgical procedure, which facilitates the surgeon’s work. And, once the surgery is complete, the orthodontist can play a key role in the final adjustment of the dental alignment.
Advantages of well-coordinated orthognathic surgery
Well-planned and executed orthognathic surgery, in which the orthodontist and the maxillofacial surgeon work side by side, offers significant benefits. From an aesthetic point of view, better facial symmetry and a more harmonious appearance will be achieved. And in terms of functionality, thanks to the procedure, the patient will be able to chew food more effectively or breathe more easily.
The greater the coordination, the more satisfactory the result will be and the more the potential risks associated with the procedure will be reduced. Careful pre-operative planning tailored to the patient’s specific needs, controlled execution during the procedure and appropriate post-operative follow-up are the three keys to high-quality orthognathic surgery, ensuring a faster recovery and fewer complications.
If you would like to know more about orthognathic surgery, the team at Clínica Birbe will be happy to help. You can call us on 34 932 124 737, send us a WhatsApp message to 34 626852363 or email us at clinica@birbe.org.
Article written by the Birbe Editorial Committee
