What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, popularly known as jaw surgery, is a treatment method applied for both aesthetic and functional purposes. This surgical intervention aims to correct problems not only with the teeth, but also with the position of the jaw bones. In short, orthognathic surgery is a multifaceted treatment process in which orthodontics (braces treatment) and maxillofacial surgery work together.

Collaboration of Orthodontics and Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is applied for conditions that are too complex to be solved only by orthodontic treatment (alignment of teeth) or only by surgical procedure. Because in some individuals, the problem is not only in the teeth but also in the position of the jaw bones. Therefore, orthodontics and jaw surgery come together.

The process generally proceeds as follows:

1. Orthodontic Preparation (Braces Treatment):
In the first step, the position of the teeth is corrected. This is because the teeth need to be in the ideal position before surgical intervention. This process can usually take between a few months and a year and a half.
2. Surgical Intervention (Orthognathic Surgery):
After the orthodontic preparation is completed, the lower jaw, upper jaw or both jaws are intervened according to the patient's needs. With the surgery, the jaws are brought to the desired position and thus both facial aesthetics and functions such as chewing and speaking are improved.
3. Orthodontic Termination:
In the postoperative period, another short orthodontic correction process is applied to optimise the bite relationship of the teeth.