What Is Relapse After Orthognathic Surgery?
Relapse is a concern for anyone considering jaw surgery. Here is what it means and how common it is.
Relapse refers to the jaw moving slightly back toward its original position after orthognathic surgery. Some degree of relapse is normal and expected, but significant relapse is uncommon with modern techniques.
- How much relapse is normal:
- Most studies show 10β20% of the surgical movement may relapse over time
- The majority of relapse happens in the first 6β12 months after surgery
- After one year, the jaw position is very stable
- Factors that increase relapse risk:
- Large movements (more than 8β10 mm)
- Insufficient fixation (older techniques without plates)
- Not wearing elastic bands as directed
- Trauma to the jaw during healing
- Uncontrolled teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Poor bone quality
- Not completing post-surgical orthodontics
- How surgeons minimize relapse:
- Rigid fixation with titanium plates and screws
- Proper surgical technique with stable bone-to-bone contact
- Post-operative orthodontic elastics to guide healing
- Gradual introduction of chewing forces
Can Relapse Be Fixed?
- If significant relapse does occur, it can sometimes be corrected with:
- Orthodontic adjustment of the bite
- In rare cases, revision surgery
- Botox to reduce muscle pull on the jaw
Clinical Guidance
Some minor relapse (10β20%) is normal after jaw surgery, but significant movement is uncommon with modern plate fixation. Following your surgeon's instructions β especially wearing elastics β is the best way to minimize relapse.