Current concepts in aesthetic orthognathic surgery

While orthognathic surgery provides a significant improvement in masticatory, dentofacial, and airway function, proper and considered preoperative planning can significantly enhance facial harmony and balance as well. Also, orthognathic procedures to correct underlying skeletal discrepancies in concert with, or prior to, other cosmetic procedures can greatly enhance the patient's final result. This paper reviews the use of the occlusal plane angle as a guide for improved aesthetic results with bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. It also provides several examples of facial cosmetic procedures performed as an adjunct to dentofacial surgery. A rationale of timing of these procedures is offered.