Clear aligners combined with orthognathic surgery: a case series

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Orthognathic surgery corrects significant jaw discrepancies.
• Clear aligners offer a less visible orthodontic treatment option.
• Integrating clear aligners into orthognathic surgery protocols requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of orthognathic surgery using clear aligner systems for orthodontic treatment.
• To describe the characteristics and treatment protocols of patients undergoing orthognathic surgery with clear aligners.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 16 orthognathic surgery cases utilizing clear aligners.
• Data collection included patient demographics, malocclusion type, surgical procedures, and orthodontic management.
• Assessment of treatment duration, fixation methods, and postsurgical follow-up.

Main Results:

• Class II malocclusion, primarily due to mandibular retrognathism, was most common (56.25%).
• Most patients (68.75%) were female, with a mean age of 26.78 years.
• Successful outcomes were achieved with clear aligners and orthognathic surgery, with no reported complications.

Conclusions:

• Clear aligners are a viable and effective adjunct to orthognathic surgery.
• This approach offers an esthetic and potentially more patient-accepted alternative to conventional orthodontics.
• The use of clear aligners in orthognathic surgery presents a promising treatment modality.