Guidelines for Orthodontic Evaluation and Preparation for Orthognathic Surgery Patients

Well-managed orthodontic therapy is vital to the success of oral and maxillofacial surgery, helping to facilitate optimal skeletal correction along with ideal dentofacial esthetics and long-term occlusal function. In the treatment of skeletally mature patients with dentofacial deformities, orthodontics often needs to be combined with oral and maxillofacial surgery to correct transverse, vertical, and sagittal skeletal discrepancies and facial asymmetries that affect function and facial esthetics. Supported by published literature, this article presents a detailed discussion of key considerations for the management of orthodontic/orthognathic surgery cases. Step-by-step recommendations encompassing case diagnosis, presurgical preparation, and postsurgical management are provided.