[Orthognathic surgery: insights from a reader survey]

An NTVT reader survey with 64 participants reveals that orthognathic surgery is also relevant to the general dental practice. A majority of respondents report frequently encountering patients for whom jaw correction might be appropriate, sometimes also discuss this option and feel confident in their role within a combined orthodontic-surgical treatment pathway. This suggests that general dental practitioners play an important role in identifying potential indications, providing initial information, and referring patients promptly. At the same time, however, orthognathic surgery remains a complex treatment pathway, requiring careful balancing of function, aesthetics, temporomandibular complaints, respiratory issues, treatment planning and patient expectations. At a time when social media increasingly shape patient perceptions of treatment possibilities, realistic and balanced initial counselling by the dentist is particularly important.