The aim of this study was to review the reported psychosocial benefits of o
rthognathic surgery. A systematic review of the literature was conducted us
ing MEDLINE (1966 to December 2000), Web of Science (1981 to December 2000)
, and reference sections of identified articles. We also hand searched key
orthodontic, oral surgery, and psychology journals. No language limitations
were imposed. Randomized controlled trials, other controlled clinical tria
ls, prospective studies (with or without controls), and retrospective studi
es (with or without controls) were considered for inclusion. Two reviewers
extracted the data and independently assessed the quality of the studies. I
n all, 29 studies, including a number of prospective and retrospective stud
ies, were identified as relevant. The results of the review indicated that
orthognathic patients experience psychosocial benefits as a result of ortho
gnathic surgery, including improved self-confidence, body and facial image,
and social adjustment. However, there were wide variations in the study de
signs and a lack of uniformity in measuring the psychosocial constructs. Th
is made it difficult to quantify the extent and the duration of the psychos
ocial benefits.