Diagnosis and treatment planning: a coordinated effort between oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics.

Recent years have seen broad technical advancements in the field of orthognathic surgery. Recognition that conventional orthodontic-orthopedic treatment is ineffective in resolving facial-skeletal deformities and associated malocclusions has led to the development of cooperative therapeutic efforts. Joint diagnosis and treatment planning and analysis of longitudinal treatment responses based on traditional orthodontic principles have contributed to continuing advancement of knowledge and improvement in standards of care. A team approach to the management of patients requires the sharing of knowledge, skills, and responsibility. By combining these with a high level of education of patients, cosmetic and functional changes of lasting benefit can be achieved.