ABSTRACT
Orthognathic mandibular surgical techniques are used mainly to correct mandibular prognathism and retrognathia. In addition, lower facial asymmetries, anterior open bites and post-traumatic malocclusions can be rectified. Orthodontic preparation for surgery is usually required to align, decompensate and coordinate the dental arches. Ideally, treatment planning should be performed jointly between the surgeon and orthodontist to clearly identify treatment goals. Major complications are rare. Excessive haemorrhage is uncommon, although the facial vessels are at risk when making the buccal bone cut unless adequately protected by a retractor. The most frequently used mandibular techniques are the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and the horizontal genioplasty. After completion of the BSSO, the patient is placed into intermaxillary fixation. Usually, a prefabricated splint is used to locate the correct occlusion. If combined with a sagittal split osteotomy, the genioplasty is performed after the BSSO.
