CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY

Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct a wide range of skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of the jaws and teeth. Surgery can often improve breathing, chewing and speaking. And while orthognathic surgery is primarily performed to correct functional problems a patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of the surgery.

 

The following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:

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• Difficulty chewing or biting food 

• Difficulty with speech or swallowing

• Asymmetric facial appearance or jaw growth

• Congenital craniofacial anomalies 

• Receding lower jaw and chin

• Protruding lower jaw

• Open bite 

• Crossbite

• Inability to make the lips meet without straining/chronic mouth breathing

• Obstructive sleep apnea 

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We will work together with your orthodontist to determine whether you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, is a process rather than a single event. Your OMS and orthodontist understand this is a long-term commitment for you and your family, and will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment. 

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