ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
Orthognathic surgery is also known as corrective jaw surgery. It is used to treat a variety of facial and jaw abnormalities in which the facial bones and teeth do not meet correctly. These abnormalities can result in difficulties eating and speaking, sleep apnoea and pain. In many cases, facial appearance is affected by this problem. Abnormal jaw and facial development can be genetic or acquired due to injury.
Using sophisticated surgical techniques, the facial bones in the maxilla, mandible and chin can be repositioned in order to achieve proper function and facial appearance. The surgery is carried out in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will place braces to align the teeth in preparation for jaw surgery. Braces remain on throughout the duration of the treatment, including surgery, and for approximately 6 months post-surgery.
Orthognathic surgery cases are done at Saint John of God Hospital under General anaesthesia. The first night is spent in ICU for monitoring purposes. There will then be a 2-5 night stay on the ward.
HIGH CONDYLAR SHAVE
A high condylar shave procedure is carried out to treat facial asymmetry, where growth of the condyles is abnormal and unlikely to cease. Surgery involves re-contouring the head of the condyle ceasing the abnormal growth pattern. Often Orthognathic surgery is required following this to correct the facial asymmetry.
This procedure is done at Saint John of God Hospital with an overnight stay under General anaesthesia.
DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS
Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical procedure to lengthen the bone of the jaws in patients with craniofacial defects. At surgery, a device is fitted which allows the bone to be gradually lengthened. When the desired length is achieved, the device is removed and the bone regenerates into the space created during the distraction process.
This procedure is done at Saint John of God Hospital with an overnight stay under General anaesthesia.
CORTICOTOMY
A corticotomy procedure is used for expanding the maxilla in adult patients. It is used in conjunction with an orthodontic appliance called a rapid maxillary expansion device (RME). An RME can be used in growing children with no surgical intervention. In adults, a boney cut needs to be made in the palate in order for the maxilla to expand symmetrically.
This procedure is done at Saint John of God Hospital under General anaesthesia and requires an overnight stay.
