My dentist told me that I have a malocclusion that needs surgery. What you mean?

Dental occlusion refers to the functional and balanced relationship between the structures of the mouth, such as the teeth, gums and temporomandibular joint and the correct alignment of the upper and lower teeth.

A patient with a malocclusion means that the teeth do not fit together correctly, compromising the main functions of the mouth. There is, therefore, a misalignment or an abnormal relationship between the teeth of your lower and upper jaws when your mouth is closed. Malocclusion causes other problems, such as open bite, crossbite, excessive overbite, prognathism and retrognathism.

It is a problem that affects the majority of the population. There are people who have symptoms that cause discomfort and that change their day-to-day life and others who live without knowing about the existence of this problem.

When the Dentist mentions that the patient has a malocclusion that needs to be corrected through surgery, it means that this condition is not sufficiently treated only with conventional, fixed or removable orthodontic appliances.

Through Orthognathic Surgery, the position of the maxillary bones is corrected, to improve masticatory function, dental occlusion, facial harmonization and possible respiratory problems.

Before carrying out the procedure, it may be necessary to use an orthodontic appliance in order to align and level the teeth, which is necessary to ensure that they are well positioned before surgery.

Despite the diagnosis by the Dentist, it is important to consult a Maxillofacial Surgeon about the need for the surgery, the adequate treatment plan, the risks and benefits involved, as well as the expectations of the results. Each case is unique and the decision to undergo orthognathic surgery should be based on a complete assessment of your condition and in-depth discussion with the rest of the specialist team.