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The Importance Of Details In Orthognathic Surgery

The orthognathic surgery is one of the possible treatments that can solve the deformities and dentofacial asymmetries having a portion of the population in his face, problems in any of the elements that compose it: jaw, zygomatic jaw bone, nose, orbital regions, teeth and soft tissues. Beyond mere cosmetic dentistry, there are circumstances in which patients suffer from negative consequences for their health due to such deformations. Sometimes, these can be resolved by orthodontics, but other times it is necessary to resort to orthognathic, either in a complementary way, or as an alternative therapy.

For example, one of the main drawbacks is malocclusion. The patient has an incorrectly aligned bite that causes difficulties in chewing, swallowing or breathing and can also cause other ailments such as headache, temporomandibular joint pain or sleep apnea. Through orthognathic surgery they intervene in the different elements of the face, especially in the jaw to solve, among others, the following pathologies:

  • Deformities on the lips or on the palate.
  • Delayed or advanced jaw, which causes similar difficulties, and also swallowing.
  • Mandibular asymmetry, which occurs if the jaw and chin are offset in relation to the vertical axis of the face.
  • Open bite, which occurs when upper and lower teeth do not contact when closing the mouth, which causes irregularities in chewing.
  • Upper jaw delayed or advanced with respect to the chin, which can cause joint or respiratory problems.

When carrying out the intervention, it is very important to pay attention to the details because the success of the treatment will depend to a large extent. For example, when the surgery is planned, it is necessary to anticipate how the tip of the nose, the position of the chin or the lips will be, since the aesthetic dimension and the expectation of the patient regarding their self-esteem end up being as relevant as the aspects purely functional. In that sense, the development of digital technology, both for the realization of the diagnosis and for the planning of the treatment and, even, the execution of the operation, have contributed to a new era in orthognathic surgery. We can assume more complex cases, predict the results to a greater extent and provide a more bearable experience for patients.

Therefore, the incorporation of resources such as the conical beam computerized tomography device (CBCT), the intraoral scanner and 3D software allows us to have an accurate knowledge of the imbalances and the most appropriate actions for each person. Likewise, technology serves to simulate the operation before it is carried out. Computer programs help us determine the most appropriate approach for each case and simulate the final result, which is a significant improvement in predictability.

 

You probably have some idea of what dental implants are, mostly from their name, but as dentists, we’re often surprised at the amount of people who don’t consider dental implants to be a viable option for replacing their missing teeth.
 
We’d like to tell you today that dental implants are perfect for just about anyone with gaps in their smile!
Nobody likes having missing teeth. They can make eating certain foods difficult or painful, cause your face to look hollow and even allow your remaining teeth to shift around. Perhaps worst of all, missing teeth can also make you feel embarrassed to smile.
 
The idea behind dental implants is very simple. Teeth are like icebergs; a significant amount of their mass is below the surface. To replace a tooth entirely both the crown and the roots must be accounted for.

Replacing the root, a titanium anchor is surgically secured into the bone by a dental professional. Over time, through a process called “osseointegration,” the anchor will fuse to the bone and develop an extremely strong bond with it. Provided the bone is and remains healthy, the anchor is virtually guaranteed to stay in place for a lifetime.
 
Once the osseointegration process is sufficiently complete, which can take several months, the dental professional needs to secure a crown to the anchor. The crown replaces the top part of the tooth; the part of the tooth that is visible and used for chewing. First, they will custom-make a synthetic tooth for you, usually at a separate facility. This tooth is designed specifically to fit your smile in terms of everything from size, shape and type to even color. They will then secure the crown to the anchor with something similar to an everyday screw.
 
Because the procedure is so straight-forward, it can work for very nearly anyone with missing teeth. In general, if you are healthy enough for a simple extraction, you can easily have a dental implant.
 
So if you think you will just have to accept life with an unsightly and unhealthy gap in your teeth, think again! Dental implants are simple, work for almost anyone and, on top of everything, are surprisingly affordable! Be sure to ask your dentist about dental implants during your next visit.

You can grind your coffee, have an axe to grind or do the daily grind — but when it comes to teeth grinding, this is something you should not ignore. If you suspect you are a victim of Bruxism, which is the grinding, gnashing or clenching of teeth, then you should continue reading.

What is Bruxism?
Waking up with sore teeth and jaws might be a sign that Bruxism has entered your life. This can happen at any age and is done unconsciously in your sleep, but it can also occur when you are awake. If you find yourself clenching your teeth while concentrating or stressed, this is a sign, and you need to be aware of the hazards to your smile and your health. Nighttime grinding will be more like rhythmic contractions. But both end up having the same effect.
Symptoms of teeth grinding
The most common symptom of teeth grinding is a headache. People who grind their teeth are three more times likely to suffer from headaches, according to the Bruxism Association. Other symptoms can vary per patient but may include temporomandibular (TMJ) discomfort, ear pain, muscle aches, stiffness of the shoulders and neck, and sleep disorders. Your teeth will show abnormal wear and mobility, which can lead to fractures and loss of teeth.
Preventing teeth grinding
To find out if stress is causing you to grind your teeth, you can start by eliminating stress triggers in your life. Join an exercise program or attend stress counseling. Learn what stresses you out by writing in a journal when you feel stressed; this can help you pinpoint certain triggers and find options to overcome them if possible.

A mouth guard can be fitted to you to protect your teeth while you sleep. Mouth guard appliances come with different names, including night guards, occlusal splints, occlusal bite guards, bite plates and bruxism appliances. Whatever name they go by, they all have one thing in common: they are custom made for your mouth. This custom fit allows your jaw to relax and protects your teeth. Usually worn at bedtime, this is the treatment of choice.

If a sleeping disorder is the culprit, treatment may reduce or eliminate the grinding all together.
Other tips to help stop the grinding include:

Avoid alcohol. Consuming alcohol seems to intensify the grinding.

Do not chew on pens, pencils or any non-food items.

Train yourself not to grind. Be aware and practice putting your tongue against your teeth. This allows your jaw to relax.

Avoid or cut back on drinks and foods that contain caffeine.

Massage your jawline gently to allow the muscles to relax.

Use warm compresses on both sides of the jaw to ease symptoms.

The best way to truly find out if you are a teeth grinder is to have an evaluation by a dentist. After the exam, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.