Early Orthognathic Surgery: A Review

Management of growing patients with severe developmental jaw abnormalities can be very difficult. Early surgical intervention may be warranted in situations where function (e.g., mastication, swallowing, breathing, or speech) and/or psychological well-being could be negatively affected. Many surgeons and orthodontists are reluctant to recommend a surgical treatment option for growing patients with severe developmental jaw abnormalities because of their age. Specific surgical procedures can be performed during growth to correct developmental jaw abnormalities with predictable results. A sound understanding of the facial growth and the effects of the surgical procedures on subsequent growth is essential when managing growing patients with severe developmental jaw abnormalities. Children with severely progressive congenital deficiencies affecting function/health should be distinguished from ones with severe developmental jaw abnormalities that can be managed later in life. In this review, we will focus on the management of growing patients with developmental jaw abnormalities who seek orthodontic treatment, rather than patients with progressive congenital deformities affecting function and/or health.