Two surgical approaches exist for malocclusion: in the surgery-first approach the orthognathic surgery precedes the orthodontic treatment, treating facial esthetics first and then occlusion, whereas in the conventional approach (the orthodontics-first approach) the orthodontic treatment precedes the orthognathic surgery, treating occlusion first and then facial esthetics. The advantages of the surgery-first approach include the fact that patient's dental function, and facial esthetics are restored and improved soon after the beginning of treatment. Moreover, the entire treatment lasts only 1 to 1.5 years or less and orthodontic management is easier to achieve.

Our study aims to compare patients undergoing surgery-first or orthognathic surgery approach as for as self-esteem, satisfaction with their appearance in the pre- and postoperative care, quality of life and psychosocial changes, are concerned.

We recruited 50 patients undergoing surgery-first or orthognathic surgery approach at SC Maxillo-Facciale of Novara between October 2014 and December 2017. Assessment were performed at baseline (T0) and at follow-up (T1: 5 weeks; T2: 5–6 months), with Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI: only at T0), Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Resilience Scale for Adult (RSA), Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14).

Data collection is still ongoing. We expect to find a better quality of life and higher self-esteem in patients undergoing surgery first approach.

Satisfaction is crucial for patients’ adherence to treatment and to avoid revolving door. Clinical implications will be discussed.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.