Minimally Invasive Orthognathic Surgery: Occlusal & Facial Results with Faster Surgical Recovery

Minimally invasive procedures have become the gold standard in most medical surgical and dental fields. Orthognathic surgery when performed with minimally invasive techniques allows for faster healing and quicker recovery of the patient that seeks combined correction of their dentofacial deformity. Orthodontic pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical interdigitation are key for obtaining results that restore facial esthetics and excellent occlusion. Orthodontic management as a facilitator for the minimally invasive orthognathic surgery will be presented. Current orthofacial surgical techniques (facial fat transference and lipectomy among others), as well as coventional plastic surgery tecniques are integrated for a full facial correction in these patients. Protocols presenting variation from the conventional orthognathic surgery approach will be presented as an integral part of the lecture. Facially driven orthodontics should be a goal for the skeletally mature orthodontic patient with a large skeletal discrepancy. Records protocol for an appropiate appraisal of dentofacial deformities will be presented. Three dimensional diagnosis, virtual surgical treatment planning and interdisciplinary execution will be explained. A critical analysis of the facial and occlusal results in minimally invasive surgical orthodontic cases will be addressed. Other important considerations as timming of team treatment, and who does what and when will be discussed. Customization of the minimally invasive surgical procedures and improved rigid fixation methods combined with precise virtual planning improves long term stability of the interdisciplinary surgical orthodontic corrections with minimally invasive techniques.