Recent advancements in surgical orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics is a specialized field focused on correcting complex dentofacial deformities that cannot be managed with conventional orthodontic treatment alone, especially in adults with completed skeletal growth. It combines orthodontics with surgical procedures to treat severe skeletal malocclusions, facial asymmetries, open bites, and craniofacial abnormalities of developmental, congenital, or acquired origin.Traditionally associated with long treatment duration and higher morbidity, the field has advanced significantly with modern technology. Three-dimensional imaging, particularly cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), has improved diagnostic accuracy and craniofacial visualization. Along with virtual surgical planning (VSP) and CAD/CAM technologies, it enables precise simulation of surgical procedures, prediction of soft tissue outcomes, and fabrication of accurate surgical splints, improving predictability and efficiency. Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have further enhanced presurgical orthodontic outcomes.