Orthognathic surgery: orthodontic preparation basics
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · Dental (BDS)
Tooth explorer
Interactive 3DPeel through enamel, dentin and pulp — then switch to implants, braces or dentures.
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Study notes
Why does pre-surgical orthodontics often make the bite look WORSE before surgery? Decompensation: teeth naturally tilt to camouflage the jaw discrepancy (lower teeth flare in Class III). The orthodontist uprights them onto their own jaw bases, removing the camouflage — so the underbite looks worse, but the teeth now sit correctly on each jaw. Then surgery moves the jaws (with their well-placed teeth) into harmony. Students learn: decompensation reveals the true skeletal problem so surgery can fix it precisely.
Related topics
- Growth and development of craniofacial complex
- Development of dentition and occlusion: deciduous to permanent
- Malocclusion: Angle's classification, Ackerman-Proffit system
- Etiology of malocclusion: genetic, environmental, habits
- Diagnostic records: study models, photographs, radiographs
- Cephalometrics: landmarks, analyses — Steiner, Tweed, Downs