Surgery First Approach in Orthognathic Surgery - Considerations and Clinical Case Report

THE RATIONALE: The surgery first approach is a safe and stable procedure for the correction of dentofacial deformities that requires little orthodontic correction, leading to a faster return of functions. PATIENT CONCERNS: Patient with facial discrepancies seeks treatment that returns function and aesthetics, requiring a less prolonged treatment with adequate results. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical, facial, and radiological image analysis was used for diagnosis and treatment plan. TREATMENT: Surgery first approach was performed in a patient with facial pattern II dolichocephalic, vertical maxillary excess, mandibular growth deficiency, aesthetic, and functional complaints, with the completion of the orthodontic treatment in 15 months. OUTCOMES: Follow-up of 36 months showed no evidence of recurrence of the initial condition and occlusal stability was maintained. The patient had no more functional and aesthetic complaints. TAKE-AWAY LESSONS: Aesthetic and functional improvements were observed more rapidly due to the correction of the skeletal deformity, with improvement in behavior and self-esteem.