Jaw Surgery

• What is Orthognathic Surgery?
• Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
• Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment
• Technology and Orthognathic Surgery

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit appropriately within the jaws. Crooked and crowded teeth are straightened with orthodontics before corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. When the jaws are significantly misaligned, Consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be recommended to consider orthognathic surgery.

Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

• difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
• speech problems
• chronic jaw or TMJ pain
• open bite
• protruding jaw
• breathing problems
• esthetic concerns

Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

Technology and Orthognathic Surgery

The doctors at OFSA use modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and molds of teeth, we can show you how your bite will be improved. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery.