| Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the reasons why patients seek treatment, and to assess outcomes and satisfaction following combined orthodontic and surgical therapy for the treatment of dentofacial deformities.;Results. Of the one hundred and fifty three questionnaires mailed, one hundred and vine responded. The age range of the respondents was between 18 and 56 years of age with 90% being female. The time in months since surgery ranged between 14 and 210. The most common reasons for seeking treatment were to improve function (44%), to improve facial pain/dysfunction (37%) and esthetics (8%). When questioned about the best part of undergoing treatment, 35% stated an improvement in function, 30% had improved facial esthetics and 10% had less facial pain/dysfunction. The post-operative recovery period (73%), and post op complications (8%) were amongst the least desirable events of the treatment. Overall, 94% of the patients responded that the surgery was worthwhile.;Conclusion. It appears that orthognathic surgery is a well accepted treatment modality amongst patients seeking it for reasons of improving function and facial pain/dysfunction. The undesirable aspects of the treatment include the postoperative recovery period and the postoperative complications. However, with the improvement in function and facial pain/dysfunction, as well as better facial esthetics, most patients deem the surgery worthwhile.;Patients and materials. Patients that had previously had orthognathic surgery in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Victoria General Hospital and were treated by the same orthodontist were eligible to participate. These patients were contacted via telephone. Those that consented were mailed a twenty item questionnaire along with a stamped, self addressed envelope. This was done to ensure anonymity, so that the respondents could freely express themselves. |
