Pre and post operative orthodontics in orthognathic surgery

In the early 2l'st century, orthodontics differs from what was done previously. There is more emphasis now on dental and facial appearance reflecting awareness that parents and patients seek treatment largely because of concern about facial appearance and those psychosocial problems related to appearance. Second, patients now expect and are granted a greater degree of involvement in planning treatment. Last, Orthodontics now is offered much more frequently to older patients as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan involving other dental and medical specialties. Orthognathic Surgery is mostly performed to correct developmental or acquired oral and maxillofacial skeletal deformities. The type of tooth movement and mechanics required for Orthognathic surgery is oftentimes different to standard Orthodontics. It is imperative that the treating Orthodontist is conversant with the principles and technical mechanical requirements in the management of the Orthognathic patient.