Many of us know someone who has undergone jaw surgery. However, most people question their motives. To the general population, orthognathic surgery can be seen as a cosmetic procedure done to satisfy our vanity. The truth is that the majority of orthognathic patients seek treatment due to an inability to properly chew food, speak or smile. The physical, psychological and physiological turmoil takes a major toll on the patients’ quality of life.
Train tracks, metal mouth, brace face: all creative nicknames for orthodontic treatment. Today more than ever, patients are trying to avoid that metal look by requesting something more aesthetic such as lingual braces or clear plastic aligners. To develop appropriate treatment plans and inform patients about the basics of braces, dentists should be aware of the patient’s aesthetic concern but also consider the indications and limitations of each method of treatment.
It’s important that dental students have a basic knowledge of the various forms of orthodontic treatment. Even if you are not interested in specializing in orthodontics, this information is necessary to answer basic questions in a general practice setting.
