Orthognathic Surgery
Pronunciation: or-thog-NATH-ik SUR-juh-ree
Corrective jaw surgery performed to address severe skeletal discrepancies that cannot be resolved by orthodontic treatment alone.
Full Definition
Orthognathic surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures that reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, to correct significant skeletal discrepancies in the antero-posterior, vertical, or transverse planes. It is carried out by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, which prepares the dentition before surgery and refines the occlusion afterwards. Editors must take care with spelling: 'orthognathic' (not 'orthognatic' or 'orthognathic') is the standard form. The term should not be confused with 'orthodontic treatment', which repositions teeth only.
Usage
Usage note: Spell carefully — 'orthognathic' is frequently misspelled. Do not abbreviate without first defining. 'Jaw surgery' is acceptable in patient-facing copy.
In Context
- "The patient was referred jointly to the orthodontic and oral surgery departments for combined orthognathic surgery treatment." — Referral letter
- "Pre-surgical orthodontics was completed, and the patient proceeded to orthognathic surgery in the third month." — Clinical summary