Understanding Patient Experience in Combined Orthodontic–Orthognathic Treatment: A Qualitative Perspective

A complex malocclusion can lead to significant functional, aesthetic, and psychological consequences. In severe cases, combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment is needed. The treatment journey involves physical, psychological, and social complexities that are not adequately addressed by conventional quantitative assessment tools. This study aimed to explore patients' experiences undergoing this interdisciplinary treatment using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients between 1 and 9 months postoperatively to gain insight into their recovery and overall treatment experience. The results suggested several key themes, including satisfaction with pre-surgical information, pain management, dietary limitations, and emotional adaptation throughout the treatment. While the overall satisfaction was mostly high, some discrepancies between expectations and actual experiences, particularly in the early post-operative phase, were reported by some patients. These findings highlight the value of qualitative inquiry in capturing the full complexity of the patient experience in this type of treatment and suggest that future research should integrate both qualitative and quantitative approaches to support the development of more patient-centered care strategies, including improved communication, pre-surgical preparation, and emotional support.