Orthodontics and orthognathic surgery: adjuncts to restorative and periodontal therapy.

Orthodontic and orthognathic surgical procedures are important adjuncts to the provision of optimum restorative and periodontal care. Dentoalveolar and skeletal abnormalities of either developmental or acquired origin can be corrected primarily, thus eliminating the necessity for compromise in prosthetic design. Dental relationships that are contributory to irreversible periodontal deterioration can be normalized to facilitate stabilization of the periodontal condition and to increase the longevity of the natural dentition. Maxillofacial surgical treatment is technically complex but is more conservative than many traditionally accepted treatment procedures. It is based on the rationale of conservation of natural structures rather than their radical ablation or their sacrifice to uncontrollable progressive disease processes. Patient participation to establishment of treatment objectives and extensive patient education are essential ingredients in such treatment. Interdisciplinary communication and coordination contribute to a mutual appreciation of treatment possibilities and limitations. Thus, orthodontic and orthognathic surgical options should be considered in planning the solution to a wide variety of periodontal and restorative treatment problems.