What are the medical implications of not undergoing orthognathic surgery to correct a deep bite (overbite)?

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Last updated: April 30, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Deciding against overbite surgery can lead to significant medical implications, including ongoing jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and difficulty chewing or speaking, as evidenced by the scarcity of current scientific evidence on the management of dentofacial deformities related to TMJ arthritis 1. When considering the implications of not having an overbite surgery, it is crucial to evaluate the severity of the condition and the potential risks associated with leaving it untreated. Some key points to consider include:

  • Ongoing jaw pain and TMJ disorders, which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life
  • Difficulty chewing or speaking, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and social anxiety
  • Accelerated tooth wear, gum disease, and potential breathing problems, including sleep apnea
  • The potential need for future surgical interventions, which may be more complex and risky due to the progression of the condition In the context of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the management of orofacial manifestations, including dentofacial deformities, requires an interdisciplinary approach, as recommended by the consensus-based algorithm proposed by Resnick et al 1. The selection of the surgical method used for the management of dentofacial deformity resulting from TMJ arthritis is influenced by several factors, including the skeletal maturity of the patient, the level of TMJ inflammatory activity, and the stability of the TMJ and dentofacial deformity 1. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits of overbite surgery, considering the individual patient's condition, and make an informed decision based on a thorough evaluation by both an orthodontist and oral surgeon, as the current scientific evidence is scarce, and the choice of surgical approach varies widely 1.

From the Research

Medical Implications of Not Having an Overbite Surgery

  • The medical implications of not having an overbite surgery are not directly addressed in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, study 3 suggests that orthodontic treatment can have a favorable efficacy in skeletal class II deep overbite patients, implying that not having treatment may lead to unchanged or worsening TMJ morphology.
  • Study 2 emphasizes the importance of postsurgical patient management in orthognathic and TMJ surgery, but does not specifically discuss the implications of not having surgery.
  • Studies 4, 5, 6 do not provide relevant information on the medical implications of not having an overbite surgery, as they focus on clinical reasoning, study design, and help-seeking interventions for mental health problems, respectively.
  • Therefore, based on the provided evidence, it is unclear what the specific medical implications of not having an overbite surgery are, and further research would be needed to fully understand this topic 3.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Orthognathic and TMJ surgery: postsurgical patient management.

Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 2011

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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