An introduction to the management of facial deformity

Discuss the benefits and associated risks of orthognathic intervention.

Topics discussed include:

• Those patients who might benefit from orthognathic correction of their malocclusion;
• The pathway involved in orthognathic treatment;
• The treatment options available;
• The importance of working with an effective and capable team; and
• Comparison of evidence from two audits to show how the risks involved and recovery from orthognathic care has altered in a 19 year period.

On completion you should be able to:

• Recognise patients that might benefit from an orthognathic approach to the correction of their malocclusion;
• Outline what orthognathic treatment involves and the risk/benefit associated with it;
• Understand the importance of referring a patient to an appropriate specialist for treatment; and
• Enable your patients to access appropriate care.