Surgery-first: a new approach to orthognathic surgery.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Skeletal Class III malocclusion presents complex orthodontic and aesthetic challenges.
• Retrognathic and contracted maxilla often require surgical intervention for correction.
• The Surgery-First approach offers a streamlined treatment pathway.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old female patient presented with skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion.
• Key issues included a retrognathic maxilla, mandibular crowding, and a 5mm midline deviation.
• The patient underwent LeFort I maxillary advancement surgery followed by orthodontic treatment.

Findings:

• The Surgery-First approach, utilizing LeFort I maxillary advancement, was employed.
• Treatment duration was six months.
• Excellent aesthetic outcomes and functional occlusion were achieved post-treatment.

Implications:

• The Surgery-First approach is a viable and efficient method for correcting severe Class III malocclusion.
• Rapid improvement in facial aesthetics and occlusion can be attained.
• This case demonstrates the effectiveness of surgical advancement in addressing complex maxillofacial deformities.