Cotton on to the problems: a visual aid for mimicking maxillary advancement surgery chairside

Abstract

When planning orthognathic surgery for patients with a mild Class III skeletal relationship, it may be challenging for orthodontists to predict soft tissue changes in a way that is meaningful to patients. A simple tip is to place two damp cotton wool rolls under the patient's upper lip to mimic anterior repositioning of the maxilla. While dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular, they can complicate facial assessment as a result of the altered soft tissue profile. Patients should be encouraged not to use dermal fillers at any point along the orthognathic pathway, or delay facial assessment in multidisciplinary clinics until these fillers have dissolved. CPD/Clinical relevance: This article describes a quick and easy chairside aid to help patients and clinicians visualise the facial changes with maxillary advancement surgery by placing two damp cotton wool rolls under the upper lip to mimic anterior repositioning of the maxilla.