Which jaw surgery should an 18-year-old undergo?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 18 years old and need jaw surgery, but I do not know which one to pick—Le Fort 1 or BSSO. Also, I want to ask one question about braces, do they re-shape your face?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Le Fort 1 osteotomy is used to treat midfacial deformities. In contrast, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy can be done to correct lower jaw abnormalities with or without upper jaw surgery. But what you need precisely cannot be commented on by looking at the facial profile images you uploaded. Still, I would need appropriate X-rays and a report of your clinical examination done by an orthodontist so that he can point out what type of malocclusion you have and other details. According to that, I can advise you on what appropriate treatment you can take. Also, braces can help improve facial profile and correction of malocclusion. It is wrong information that the orthodontist compromises jaw development as orthodontic treatment is a delicate balance between teeth, skull, and jaw joints. So if done under the supervision of an efficient orthodontist, there is improvement in the facial profile and malocclusion correction.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.