Attending Surgeon Head and Neck Surgical Associates Portland, Oregon
Orthodontic treatment using clear aligners is becoming more common and more patients are interested in orthognathic surgery who are being treated with this modality. There are several challenges associated with use of clear aligners from the orthognathic surgeon’s perspective in the intraoperative and perioperative period. A technique presented will eliminate the need to place temporary intermaxillary fixation screws while still using splints for positioning of the osteotomized segments. A protocol for use of a postoperative splint and early range of motion exercises will be presented. These pearls will empower the OMS to feel comfortable completing orthognathic surgery in the patient undergoing orthodontic treatment using clear aligners.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
Discuss the challenges associated with the use of clear aligners in orthognathic surgery.
Describe an orthodontic alternative to the use of temporary intermaxillary fixation screws.
Review postoperative management including the use of splint and the importance of early range of motion exercises.