Collaboration between orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery in the treatment of dentofacial deformities

Abstract

This paper deals with the occurrence of cranio-dentofacial deformities and the difficulties encountered in their correction. The surgical goal is to correct or improve the dentofacial deformity and create an esthetically pleasing face ; while orthodontic treatment seeks to align the teeth in a good functional occlusion and thereby also improve the facial appearance. Orthognathic surgery has, therefore, become unthinkable without proper planning and assessment by both the orthodonist and maxillofacial surgeon in a teamwork situation. The objective of this paper is, therefore, to emphasize the desirable collaboration between the two specialties, orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery. The positive result of such teamwork has been illustrated with one clinical case.