Surgery First Bimaxillary Osteotomy for Marked Facial Asymmetry Developed After Aligner Treatment

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Clear aligner treatment can lead to unexpected facial asymmetry.
• Occlusal cant and jaw deformity can result from orthodontic interventions.
• Surgical intervention may be necessary for correcting severe post-orthodontic facial deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of facial asymmetry following clear aligner treatment.
• To describe the successful retreatment using bimaxillary osteotomy with a surgical-first approach.
• To emphasize the importance of thorough diagnosis in managing complex orthodontic cases.

Main Methods:

• A patient with facial asymmetry after clear aligner treatment underwent CT examination.
• Diagnosis of jaw deformity with an asymmetric face was established.
• Bimaxillary osteotomy with a surgical-first approach utilizing clear aligners was performed.

Main Results:

• Correction of the occlusal cant and improvement of the deviated jaw were achieved.
• Functional occlusion was successfully established.
• Significant improvement in facial form was observed.

Conclusions:

• Bimaxillary osteotomy with a surgical-first approach can effectively correct facial asymmetry and occlusal cant post-aligner treatment.
• This case underscores the need for meticulous diagnostic evaluation to prevent misdiagnosis in orthodontic retreatment.
• Awareness of potential complications and appropriate surgical management are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.