Introduction
The mandibular line plays a crucial role in facial aesthetics and functionality. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals with departments dedicated to improving the mandibular line. This article will delve into the departments of the top three hospitals for this purpose, including their services, treatment methods, and the benefits they offer to patients.
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Departments Involved in Mandibular Line Improvement
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
At Mount Sinai, the oral and maxillofacial surgery department is at the forefront of mandibular line improvement. They perform a common procedure called orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery. This is suitable for patients with overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The surgery involves moving the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) to an anatomically correct position, enabling a good occlusion (bite), airway opening, and facial symmetry. According to research from Mount Sinai's official website, patients who require this surgery may exhibit a bad bite (malocclusion), facial asymmetry, or have moderate - to - severe sleep apnea.
The treatment sequence starts with an evaluation by both an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This includes x - rays, models of the dentition, photographs, facial measurements, and a comprehensive analysis of the data. Mount Sinai uses advanced 3D x - rays and computer - assisted technology for treatment planning. Once the diagnosis and surgical plan are established, the information is used to communicate with the orthodontist, explain the plan to the patient, and obtain insurance approval.
Virtual surgical planning (VSP) is also an important aspect of the treatment. It begins with pre - operative orthodontic therapy to level and align the teeth over the maxillary and mandibular bony arches, which can take 12 to 18 months. When the patient is ready for surgery, a cone beam 3D CT scan and 3D photo morphometry are used for VSP. This tool allows the surgeon to "rehearse" the surgery in a virtual environment, predict the outcome, and design and fabricate surgical guides using 3D printers to ensure accurate transfer to the operating room.
The orthognathic procedure is performed under general anesthesia with braces in place. Internal fixation devices like small titanium screws and plates are used to connect the repositioned segments to the jaws. Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. After the procedure, training elastics are used from the upper jaw orthodontic appliances to the lower jaw appliances to help the patient adapt to the new bite. The patient's diet is restricted to liquids or non - chew foods for four weeks to allow for proper healing. About 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery, the patient returns to the orthodontist for the post - operative orthodontic phase to perfect the final occlusion, which can last from 3 to 6 months. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will continue to monitor the patient's outcome and manage any potential relapse.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The plastic and reconstructive surgery department at Mount Sinai also contributes to mandibular line improvement. They treat all forms of jaw deformities, working in a team that coordinates with dentists, orthodontists, and other plastic surgeons as needed. Conditions they treat include mandibular hyperplasia (prognathism), mandibular hypoplasia, maxillary hypoplasia, vertical maxillary deficiency (short face syndrome), and vertical maxillary excess (long face syndrome). According to Mount Sinai's official site, these deformities can occur due to different growth rates of the upper or lower jaw, birth defects, traumatic accidents, or tumor growth.
Dentistry
The department of dentistry at Mount Sinai provides support for mandibular line improvement. Their services encompass all phases of general dentistry, such as restorative and cosmetic, fixed and removable prosthetic, and implant restorative services. They also treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction disorders, which can be related to mandibular problems. With a history of over 100 years of service, they have been at the forefront of dental advances, including being among the first to use local anesthetics and antibiotics in patient treatment. For example, they were the first in the U.S. to use procaine as a local anesthetic, which revolutionized pain control in dentistry. Their dentists also participated in the first pilot cleft palate rehabilitation center in New York state, collaborating with multiple departments for comprehensive care.
2. Weill Cornell Medicine
Departments for Mandibular Line Enhancement
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Weill Cornell Medicine's oral and maxillofacial surgery department specializes in orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Their goal is to correct these conditions, which can be the root causes of improper chewing, facial dysfunction, speech issues, joint pain, and sleep disorders. As per their official information, patients with developmental growth abnormalities of the jaws and facial bones usually present with imperfect tooth positioning when the jaws are closed, affecting chewing, speech, overall health, and facial esthetics.
Before surgery, they collect data through radiographs, face and teeth measurements, clinical photographs, and health history. They then analyze the data, create bite models, and develop a comprehensive plan. Sometimes only the upper or lower jaw needs repositioning, and sometimes both jaws must be realigned. The patient needs to work with an orthodontist for six to twelve months to move the teeth into the correct position within the jawbone, during which the surgeon will check on the patient periodically. Once the teeth are close to alignment, the surgery is scheduled.
The surgery takes place at New York - Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell campus, a top - ranked hospital in the country. Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Approximately six weeks after surgery, the patient returns to the orthodontist to finish aligning the teeth to the new jaw position. For the first six to eight weeks after surgery, the bones are healing, and the patient is restricted to a diet of liquids and soft foods, with limited activity.
Multidisciplinary Approach
One of the key advantages of Weill Cornell Medicine is its multidisciplinary approach. Orthognathic surgeries require comprehensive, collaborative care from both orthodontics and surgery. This unique approach coordinates complex care, providing focused support to patients before, during, and after the surgery. Their team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons works closely with orthodontists, ensuring a seamless treatment process.
3. NYU Langone Health
Departments Associated with Mandibular Line Refinement
Head and Neck Center
The Head and Neck Center at NYU Langone Health has a multidisciplinary team of physicians who use minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques, as well as advanced reconstruction methods, to improve patient outcomes. For mandibular line improvement, especially in cases related to tumors or complex malformations of the jaw, their expertise comes into play. According to NYU Langone's news report, they carefully select patients for robotic surgery, considering variables such as the stage of the head or neck tumor, the likelihood of achieving negative margins, and lymph node metastasis.
For patients with tumors of the mouth or jaw, they use three - dimensional (3D) holographic technology for greater precision in preoperative planning. This enables both a mandibular replacement and functional dental restoration in the same surgery, which is a significant advantage compared to less nuanced surgical methods that may require multiple surgeries and limit cosmetic appearance and function. The center also has a high success rate in free flap approaches and thyroidectomies, with low complication and mortality rates.
Collaboration for Complex Cases
The Head and Neck Center collaborates with interventional radiologists to treat patients with complex vascular malformations and vascular head and neck tumors. Dr. Mark Persky, among others, has extensive experience in treating these malformations with a combination of surgery and embolization. Through regular tumor - board style discussions, the team learns from each case and strengthens their multidisciplinary approach.
Comparative Analysis of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialties | Treatment Approach | Technology Used | Post - operative Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Orthognathic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dentistry | Comprehensive treatment with detailed evaluation, VSP, and post - operative orthodontics | 3D x - rays, computer - assisted technology, cone beam 3D CT scan, 3D photo morphometry, 3D printers for surgical guides | 1 - 2 days hospital stay, diet restrictions, post - operative orthodontics for 3 - 6 months, long - term monitoring |
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Orthognathic surgery with a multidisciplinary approach | Combined orthodontics and surgery, patient - centered comprehensive plan | Radiographs, face and teeth measurements, computer - assisted digital surgical planning | 1 - 2 days hospital stay, diet restrictions, post - operative orthodontics for teeth alignment |
| NYU Langone Health | Minimally invasive and robotic surgery, advanced reconstruction for head and neck cases | Patient - specific approach considering tumor stage and other factors, collaboration for complex cases | Single - port robot, 3D holographic technology for preoperative planning | Low complication and mortality rates, follow - up for free flap and other surgeries |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mount Sinai Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NYU Langone Health are among the top hospitals in New York City for improving the mandibular line. Each hospital has its unique departments, treatment approaches, and technological capabilities. Mount Sinai offers a wide range of services from multiple departments with advanced surgical planning tools. Weill Cornell Medicine focuses on a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive patient care. NYU Langone Health stands out with its minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques for complex head and neck cases.
If you are considering mandibular line improvement, we encourage you to further research these hospitals, consult with their experts, and learn more about the specific treatments they offer. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and goals. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic and explore related information on our site for more in - depth knowledge.
