Evaluating Post-surgical Stability and Relapse in Orthognathic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review

Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that allows oral and maxillofacial surgeons to resolve jaw asymmetry issues and restore function, esthetics, and balance. Orthodontics plays a major part in the pre-surgical and post-surgical phases, thus necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. Certain skeletal discrepancies may remain despite correction with routine growth modification and camouflage treatment, or they may not qualify for these treatments. These skeletal discrepancies are addressed through orthognathic surgeries such as the Le Fort I osteotomy for the maxilla and the bilateral split sagittal osteotomy (BSSO) for the mandible. This narrative review aimed to investigate the factors leading to the instability and relapse of the different surgical procedures by comparing the related literature for all three planes: sagittal, vertical, and transverse. Additionally, it highlights the new trends and modern technology in orthognathic surgery. These findings are targeted at elucidating better surgical approaches, understanding what practices ensure long-term stability, and improving outcomes with greater practitioner and patient satisfaction.