Orthognathic, surgery or corrective jaw surgery is performed to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, Orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.
• Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side
• Birth defects
• Receding lower jaw and chin
• Protruding jaw
• Inability to make the lips meet without straining
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
Orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw or Orthognathic surgery. The maxillofacial surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete. Your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) and orthodontist understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family and will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.