Types of jaw surgery

There are three types of orthognathic surgery:

• Upper jaw surgery
• Lower jaw surgery
• Maxillomandibular surgery, also known as bimaxillary surgery

Orthognathic upper jaw surgery

Upper jaw surgery is performed to move the upper jaw (maxilla) into the correct position. This can improve facial harmony and function (such as chewing, breathing and speaking).

This procedure is performed to correct various facial deformities, such as mandibular prognathism, an open bite or a gummy smile.

Orthognathic monomaxillary (single-jaw) surgery consists of a cut in the upper jawbone (known as a Le Fort I osteotomy), which allows the upper jawbone to be advanced, retruded, lengthened, shortened or rotated. Once the jaw is in the desired position, it is fixed with titanium plates.

Orthognathic surgery of the lower jaw

Orthognathic surgery to advance the lower jaw is necessary when the jaw is small and set back in relation to the upper jaw, which is referred to as retrognathia or Class 2. This type of deformity mainly affects the harmony of the lower part of the face and causes various functional problems such as sleep apnoea.

Surgery to advance the lower jaw is carried out by means of a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), which consists of a cut on each side of the lower jaw, advancement of the jawbone and fixation of the bone in its new position using titanium plates, a fully biocompatible material.

It is a simple procedure that, thanks to our 3D planning software and our precise approach, does not take long either.

Orthognathic surgery of the upper and lower jaw

In some patients, it is necessary to reposition both jaws (upper and lower jaw) in order to achieve a correct bite and facial harmony. This procedure is referred to as maxillomandibular or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery is used to treat the following deformities, among others: Class 2, Class 3, facial asymmetry or open bite, when monomaxillary surgery is not sufficient to resolve the patient's problems.

Orthodontics and orthognathic surgery

Orthognathic surgery is closely linked to orthodontics. Correcting misalignments of the teeth, mouth and jaws is therefore always a team effort between the orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

In the conventional Surgery Late treatment protocol, the aim of pre-operative orthodontics is to eliminate any existing dental compensation and to provide the surgeon with a stable and appropriate relationship between the upper and lower dental arches, so that the planned skeletal movements can be carried out. Orthodontic treatment after the operation is essential for achieving an adequate final occlusion.

The orthodontists at the Eltz Institut work with the best oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the country. When treating a patient who is suitable for orthognathic surgery, both the surgeon and the orthodontist make sure that they know the essential aspects of the diagnosis and treatment. They must also be in complete agreement about the proposed treatment and how it is to be carried out, so that the patient has full confidence in the treatment at all times.