Each year it’s estimated that around 3,000 people have this treatment with an overwhelming 90 per cent saying it has dramatically improved their health and wellbeing.
Orthognathic treatment is used in the treatment of adults with developmental conditions, including cleft palate, patients who have difficulty in breathing while asleep and patients with difficulties in eating.
Carried out jointly by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon – dually qualified in medicine and dentistry – and an orthodontist, its purpose is to move the teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional and healthy, enabling patients to eat and breathe without restriction.
This comprehensive online resource is divided into four clear sections including:
- Patient journey: 10 films covering each step of the treatment journey.
- Patient stories: 14 films with real patients talking about their story and their treatment. Includes before and after photos.
- Your surgery explained: 13 animated films clearly showing the different types of surgery.
- Other resources: Advice sheets and links to other websites.
The resource was two years in the making, led by consultant orthodontists, Caroline McCarthy and Lindsay Winchester. Filming took place at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead and Sheffield Dental School.
The consultants say:
“This is the next best thing to actually meeting a patient who has had braces and jaw surgery. We are incredibly grateful to all the participants who shared their thoughts and experiences so candidly. Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive and we hope it will empower patients to make the decision as to whether jaw surgery is right for them.”
Tim Newton, a professor of psychology as applied to dentistry says:
“There is extensive evidence on the benefits of preparing patients not only about their surgical procedure but also on what the experience might be like for them in terms of feelings, emotions, level of pain and what they can do to help themselves cope with the stress of the procedure. Yourjawsurgery.com does this admirably in a clear and accurate way. I am confident it will be an invaluable resource for patients and clinicians.”