This 35 year old female complained of chronic jaw joint aches, and inability to properly chew. She was originally referred to have an orthodontic bite splint made because her dentist assumed her problems to arise from unconscious nocturnal grinding.

The surgeon instead suggested to have her teeth straightened and have her jaw advanced surgically to provide for a normal bite.

Whilst the suggestion seemed an abstract treatment for her clicking and aching jaw joints, the patient conceded that she did habitually posture her jaw forward as she thought her chin appeared retruded.

A consultation with a specialist orthodontist was arranged, and formal orthodontic treatment commenced shortly thereafter.

Lateral photos showing pre-surgical, post-surgical & post-orthodontic profiles. Sequence demonstrates changes to upper lip fullness, forward projection of chin, and enhancement of lower lip prominence into an overall aesthetically balanced smile and profile.

Left-oblique photos showing ~6mm mandible advancement of retruded mandible. Photos demonstrate pre-surgical, post-surgical and post-orthodontic occlusions.

Post-operative OPG showing bilateral telescope-like advancement of the mandible; with internal fixation using titanium plates. Fixation devices may be removed later in a separate and minimal ½ hr general anaesthetic procedure.

The combination of classic non-extraction orthodontics, and mandibular advancement surgery produced a perfect profile and occlusion, as well as corrected totally for her jaw joint pain and clicking.

Orthodontics provided by Dr Peter Vaughan, specialist orthodontist, and surgery provided by Dr Paul Coceancig, specialist oral & maxillofacial surgeon.

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