Before-and-after split screen showing the transformation from dentofacial deformity to a perfect smile, highlighting the success of lingual orthodontics and orthognathic surgery.

From Jaw Shift to Perfect Smile: A Story of Lingual Orthodontics and Overcoming the Odds

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover how one woman's journey through osteochondroma treatment transformed her dentofacial deformity and restored her ideal smile with the help of lingual orthodontics and orthognathic surgery."

Imagine a smile that has been through a transformative journey, one marked by unexpected challenges and innovative solutions. This is the story of a young woman whose path to a perfect smile was unexpectedly detoured by a rare condition called osteochondroma. Her story isn't just about straightening teeth; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the remarkable advancements in dental science.

Osteochondroma, a benign bone tumor, can significantly impact facial structure and dental alignment. In this particular case, it led to a complex set of issues, including a jaw shift and dentofacial deformity. However, through a combination of lingual orthodontics and orthognathic surgery, this young woman was able to reclaim her smile and her confidence.

This article delves into her journey, providing an in-depth look at the diagnosis, the treatment plan, and the life-altering results. It's a story filled with determination, cutting-edge techniques, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Join us as we explore how this patient transformed her dentofacial deformity and achieved an ideal smile through lingual orthodontics.

Unveiling the Challenges: The Impact of Osteochondroma and the Road to Diagnosis

Before-and-after split screen showing the transformation from dentofacial deformity to a perfect smile, highlighting the success of lingual orthodontics and orthognathic surgery.

The journey began with a noticeable shift in the patient's jaw, a change that prompted her to seek professional help. The initial examination revealed more than just a misaligned bite; it uncovered the presence of an osteochondroma, a condition where a benign tumor develops on the bone, in this case, on the right condyle of the mandible. This discovery set the stage for a complex and multifaceted treatment plan.

The diagnosis was made through a combination of clinical assessments, radiographic evaluations, and histological analysis. The team of specialists used panoramic radiographs, a CT scan, and bone scintigraphy to visualize and assess the extent of the osteochondroma and any related issues. The patient's medical history, including previous orthodontic treatment, was also carefully reviewed to establish a baseline for comparison.

Facial asymmetry: A noticeable shift in the jaw and facial features.
Malocclusion: A Class III malocclusion with an edge-to-edge bite and midline deviation.
Radiographic findings: The right condylar region showed a radiopaque area with mixed density, indicating the presence of the tumor.
Histological confirmation: The definitive diagnosis of osteochondroma was confirmed through tissue analysis.

The diagnosis of osteochondroma highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach, combining surgical and orthodontic interventions to address the condition's complexities. This was not just about fixing the teeth, but about restoring harmony and balance to the entire facial structure, a task that required a skilled team of specialists and a patient with unwavering determination.

A New Beginning: The Triumph of Lingual Orthodontics and a Renewed Smile

This remarkable case study is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of modern dental and surgical techniques. Through lingual orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, and a dedicated team of specialists, this young woman not only overcame the challenges posed by osteochondroma but also achieved a stunning, healthy smile. This success story underscores the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry, ultimately improving both physical health and the patient's quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/14653125.2017.1371472, Alternate LINK

Title: From Ideal Occlusion To Dentofacial Deformity And Back To Ideal: An Osteochondroma Treatment With Lingual Orthodontics

Subject: Orthodontics

Journal: Journal of Orthodontics

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Renato Parsekian Martins, Tatyane Ribeiro Mesquita, Ana Patrícia Sousa Pereira, Isabela Parsekian Martins, Daniel Serra Cassano, João Roberto Gonçalves

Published: 2017-09-07

Everything You Need To Know

What is osteochondroma, and how did it affect the patient's smile in this case?

Osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor that, in this instance, developed on the right condyle of the mandible, leading to a jaw shift and dentofacial deformity. This condition resulted in facial asymmetry, a Class III malocclusion with an edge-to-edge bite, and midline deviation, significantly impacting the patient's smile and overall facial structure. The presence of osteochondroma necessitated a combined surgical and orthodontic approach to restore harmony and balance to the entire facial structure.

How was the patient's osteochondroma diagnosed, and what specific methods were used?

The diagnosis of osteochondroma involved a comprehensive approach, including clinical assessments, radiographic evaluations, and histological analysis. Specialists utilized panoramic radiographs, CT scans, and bone scintigraphy to visualize and assess the extent of the tumor. The patient's medical history and previous orthodontic treatments were also carefully reviewed. Ultimately, histological confirmation through tissue analysis provided the definitive diagnosis.

What is lingual orthodontics, and how did it contribute to correcting the patient's dentofacial deformity?

Lingual orthodontics is a type of orthodontic treatment where braces are placed on the inner (tongue-side) surfaces of the teeth, making them virtually invisible. In the described case, lingual orthodontics played a crucial role in aligning the patient's teeth and correcting the malocclusion caused by osteochondroma. This approach, combined with orthognathic surgery, helped to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional outcome, improving the patient's smile and overall quality of life. The advantage of lingual orthodontics is that it allows for teeth straightening without the visibility of traditional braces.

Besides lingual orthodontics, what other surgical intervention was crucial in restoring the patient's smile, and what does it involve?

Orthognathic surgery was the other crucial intervention. It addresses skeletal discrepancies in the jaw. In the case described, orthognathic surgery, likely involving the mandible, was performed in conjunction with lingual orthodontics to correct the jaw shift and malocclusion caused by osteochondroma. This surgery aims to realign the jawbones, improving both facial aesthetics and dental function. The combination of orthognathic surgery and lingual orthodontics is essential for achieving comprehensive correction in complex dentofacial deformities.

What were the overall outcomes of the osteochondroma treatment, and what significance does this case study hold for the field of dentistry?

The overall outcomes of the osteochondroma treatment were transformative, resulting in a renewed smile, improved facial harmony, and enhanced quality of life for the patient. The combination of early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, lingual orthodontics, and orthognathic surgery successfully addressed the complex dental and skeletal issues caused by the tumor. This case study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of modern dental and surgical techniques to overcome significant challenges, ultimately improving both physical health and patient well-being, while also demonstrating the possibilities for correcting similar conditions in the future.