Clear aligner orthognathic surgery: an overview

Abstract

: To assess the differences in treatment planning, surgical intervention, and post operative care between conventional orthognathic surgery and clear aligner (Invisalign) orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery is surgery dedicated to the correction of skeletal maxillofacial malocclusion. Traditionally, these procedures are completed utilizing conventional orthodontic appliances (braces). More recently, with the increasing popularity of clear aligner technology to move dentition, more and more orthodontists are requesting their surgeons to complete orthognathic surgery with Invisalign. The author notes that there are some challenges, planning alternatives, and adjustments that need to be made. A retrospective review of one surgeon’s experience with clear aligner (Invisalign) orthognathic surgery, from 2016–2020. Comprehensive literature review as well as review of cases from the author’s surgical practice. There are some significant differences in the planning and treatment of Invisalign orthognathic surgery compared to conventional surgery. During the treatment planning stage, the surgeon must be aware that planning a segmental maxillary surgery is trickier when using Invisalign as compared to conventional orthodontics. Further, clear aligner surgery may require different types of occlusal splints, as well as custom plating, and novel approaches to maxilla-mandibular fixation.