Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Indications for Orthognathic Surgery - A Review

Marie Kjaergaard Larsen

Background: Orthognathic surgery is a relative common procedure for correcting skeletal malocclusions and deformities. The indications for orthognathic interventions remain, however, controversial. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of studies regarding the indications, logistics, and outcome related to orthognathic surgery. Material and methods: An electronic online search was conducted using PubMed. Key words included “Orthognathic,” “Outcome,” and “Prognosis.” Additional studies were identified through reference lists of the identified studies. Only studies published from 2000 until November 2015 were included. Results: The search identified 24 publications. All studies evaluated the indications for orthognathic surgery from the patients’ point of view. The included studies showed large variation in study design. No meta-analysis could be performed regarding the indications or outcome. The two most commonly cited indications for orthognathic surgery are functional dental problems and aesthetics considerations. Conclusion: Health is a multidimensional, complex concept that is difficult to evaluate. Every patient must be assessed individually in relation to the indications for orthognathic surgery and their general health. Although, future, more objective guidelines for the indications for orthognathic surgery could be considered, the individual estimates remain the most important parameters in current evaluation.