Diagnosis and Planning in Orthognathic Surgery

Abstract

AbstractThe clinical evaluation of the face is the most important aspect of evaluating patients with dentofacial deformities. The clinical examination is the primary determinant in making a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan. The basic treatment goals are: establishment of orofacial function, ensure stability of results, achieve facial esthetics and to consider the patency of the airway. The systematic clinical examination is divided into five basic evaluations: the frontal view, the profile view, three quarter view, an occlusal assessment and the temporomandibular joint evaluation. The clinical diagnosis is then confirmed with special investigations such as panoramic, lateral and anteroposterior cephalometric radiographs and other investigations as required. A dental, skeletal and soft tissue problem list is then noted and orthodontic and surgical solutions integrated into a final treatment plan. A cephalometric radiographic tracing or a 3D virtual treatment planning system is finally used to measure the planned surgical movements and to visualize the expected treatment results.