Influence of Orthognathic Surgery on Oral Health and Quality of Life

Abstract

Orthognathic surgery is a common treatment modality for moderate to severe dentofacial deformities. This study aimed to determine the early postoperative changes in quality of life (QoL) after orthognathic surgery. Twenty patients were evaluated preoperatively (T0), postoperatively after 1 month (T1), and postoperatively after 3 months (T2). Short Form Oral Health Impact Profile and Orthognathic Quality of life Questionnaire were used as generic oral health-related and condition-specific QoL measures. Oral Health Impact Profile -14 and Orthognathic Quality of life Questionnaire scores significantly decreased from T0-T2. Physical pain, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap scores significantly decreased during this interval. Facial esthetic, function, awareness of facial deformity, and social aspects of deformity were also found to significantly improve. No significant difference was found between age groups; female patients had significantly greater preoperative Oral Health Impact Profil-14 scores than did male patients. Orthognathic surgery not only enhances the skeletal and facial relations, but also has significant positive effects on the patients' QoL, oral health, and psychological status.