Corrective surgery of jaw malpositions and malocclusions (dysgnathia)

Jaw malpositions and malocclusions can be congenital or acquired as we age. Most of the time, the face looks uneven and the bite is not right (i.e. the teeth are not evenly aligned). A bad bite situation can cause TMJ problems: the jaws are developed differently and unevenly, asymmetrically, and the chin appears too strong or too weak.

While minor tooth and jaw misalignments can be treated by the orthodontist with fixed or removable appliances (“braces” or “brackets”), pronounced changes and misalignments require additional surgical interventions. If adequate treatment is not given, the result is often malocclusion of the teeth, severe enamel loss, susceptibility to caries, loosening of the teeth, receding gums and temporomandibular joint disorders.

Severely impaired quality of life

Chewing, biting, speaking, breathing, especially through the nose, and swallowing are usually severely restricted by malocclusions and malpositions. Often the lips cannot be closed properly – when teeth or lips do not close properly, the body involuntarily “presses” against these wrong points of contact – causing pain and complex muscle tension. The latter affect the facial muscles and the lip closure muscles and lead to misalignments of the spine, which then also affects the neck muscles. The individual muscle tensions can even reinforce each other (see also temporomandibular joint disorders). The psychological suffering caused by uneven facial proportions with restrictions on social interaction also need to be mentioned here.

Cases

Mandibular retrognathia

Facial scoliosis

Apertognathia (open bite)

Developmental disorders of the jaw

Distinct jaw malposition

Teeth crowding

Maxillary retrognathia

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis – Solution without endoprosthesis at the patient’s request

Resolution of the overcrowding by reshaping of the dental arch –surgically assisted upper and lower jaw extension (SARME/symphysis distraction)

Patient videos – jaw

Patient videos – face

The entire treatment takes two to three years:

  • shaping of the dental arches by the treating orthodontist
  • followed by the operation (conversion osteotomy)
  • followed by the final harmonisation by the orthodontist

The jaw realignments are simulated and precisely planned using plaster models,in many cases, we now carry out computer-assisted, three-dimensional operation planning.
Sometimes only one jaw needs to be moved, more often both jaws are moved. In the case of more complicated jaw malpositions, early bone lengthening or widening may be necessary, i.e. distraction, SARME (surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion) or surgical palatal expansion. Jaws may also have to be repositioned in several segments.

In these cases, we first weaken the bone with ultrasound before segmenting it. In almost every case, nerve sensitivity (numbness or tingling of the lips or cheeks) can be spared. Fixing devices for the repositioned jaws can be implants that later become bone themselves (osteoconductive materials). These bone fixations do not require a second procedure for removal, but are subject to co-payment due to the cost of materials. Please clarify this with your insurer before the procedure.
The temporomandibular joint, its position and function is another important consideration which is taken into account with preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging examinations and intraoperative ultrasound monitoring of the temporomandibular joint.

You can find more information on the website of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sana Klinikum Offenbach.

We treat bones with gentle ultrasound, demonstrated here on a raw egg. As an alternative to ultrasound bone treatment, we use the microsaw, especially in jaw bone augmentation (right or second video).

Are you looking for help?

We will be happy to advise you on the possibilities of conservative or surgical treatment of your health problem affecting the mouth, jaw or facial area. We’re happy to help! You can reach the Landes & Kollegen Practice by telephone on +49 (0) 69 8405-1380 or by e-mail.

All planned surgical treatments are preceded by a detailed consultation, which can also take place several times and repeatedly.
We speak German, English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese.

Our regular office hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 – 17:00, Wednesday: 8:00 – 13:00, Friday: 8:00 – 16:00
as well as our fast-track consultations on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, between 8:00 and 9:00 each day!

The new me as a 3D simulation

Design your own dream face! Simply upload selfies, simulate them free of charge with the Crisalix 3D software and bring them to your appointment with us!