Orthognathic Surgical Treatment and Its Effect on Soft Tissues

Abstract

Orthodontic and surgical procedures used in the treatment of severe skeletal discrepancies exceeding the capacity of orthodontic treatment alone in patients who have completed their growth and development are called orthognathic surgery. As a result of this treatment, it should be aimed to achieve an acceptable and balanced face appearance, masticatory and speaking functions and to solve the chief complaints of the patient. The soft tissues of the face reflect the underlying skeletal structure, so skeletal discrepancies inevitably affect the soft tissues of the face. In recent years, the 'soft tissue paradigm' focusing on the treatment of facial soft tissues in dentofacial problems has begun to be accepted in orthodontics and orthognathic treatments. In soft tissue paradigm, primarily the adaptation and balance of facial soft tissues is aimed at treatment. In this article, a review of the literature on indications, movement capacity and effects of orthognathic surgery on soft tissues is presented.