Surgery-first approach in orthognathic surgery

Abstract

          Conventional orthognathic surgery approach involves pre- and post-surgical orthodontic phase. The main disadvantage of this approach is long treatment time. Surgery-first approach [SFA] orthognathic surgery is an alternative treatment approach which eliminated or greatly shortened presurgical orthodontic treatment phase. The reported advantages of SFA including reduced treatment time, postoperative accelerated orthodontic tooth movement by regional acceleratory phenomenon, elimination of worsen appearance in decompensation period and good patient satisfaction. However, surgeon and orthodontist communication, proper patient selection, and meticulous treatment planning are necessary. This article issues an overview of surgery-first orthognathic approach, indications, advantages, disadvantages, limitations and treatment planning.