Assent for Orthognathic Surgery: Features, Challenges, and Benefits

The ideal age to undergo orthognathic surgery approximates the age of majority, and as a result a considerable portion of the patient population undergoing orthognathic surgery are legal minors. When a patient cannot legally provide consent, assent is often sought. Assent for surgical orthodontics is complicated by particular changes in cognitive variables during adolescence, the multiphased and multi-provider treatment course, and the intervention's elective nature. Ultimately, inclusion of a high-quality assent process can help identify patients most likely to benefit from orthognathic surgery and increase patient satisfaction.