Orthognathic Surgery
Dealing with skeletal and dental irregularities that aren't so easy to remedy
Who Can Benefit From Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery?
After a thorough examination at our office — and perhaps, a consultation with your regular dentist or orthodontist — we can let you know if you're a candidate for orthognathic surgery. In general, if orthodontic treatment can solve the problem, that's where you will start. Yet, while orthodontics can successfully align the teeth, it's sometimes the jaws themselves that need to be brought into line. In most cases, orthodontic appliances, such as braces and retainers, will be used before and after the surgical phase of treatment, to ensure that you end up with an effective — and aesthetically pleasing — result.
People who have problems related to the jaws, tooth alignment and facial asymmetries, which create difficulties chewing, talking, sleeping, or carrying on routine activities, may benefit from having orthognathic (jaw) surgery. These procedures can also be used to correct aesthetic issues, such as a protruding jaw, a congenital defect, or an unbalanced facial appearance.
Why would I need Surgery?
In many cases, problems with the bite or the alignment of the teeth can be corrected using today's advanced methods of dental and orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, however, skeletal and dental irregularities aren't so easy to remedy, even with the most up-to-date non-surgical techniques. That's when corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) may be recommended.
Conditions that can be successfully treated with corrective orthognathic surgery
Open bite, protruding jaw or receding chin
Congenital defects such as a cleft palate
Malocclusions (bite problems) resulting from underbites or severe overbites
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, when more conservative methods fail
Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or biting food
Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
Inability to make the lips meet without straining
Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
Facial trauma
The Surgical Procedure
While every patient's needs are different, it's possible to outline some typical steps in the process. The first (and perhaps most important) component is consultation and planning among members of the dental team, including the restorative or general dentist, the orthodontist, and the oral surgeon. The overall plan we recommend for you may involve orthodontic treatments along with surgical procedures. Using diagnostic images, 3-D models and advanced software, we will develop a step-by-step plan for the entire process. It's even possible in many cases to show you a picture of what you'll look like when your treatment is finished.
The surgery itself may occur at the hospital or at our office, with the type of anesthesia that's most appropriate for the procedure, and for your comfort. Because the actual surgery is generally performed inside the mouth, it often leaves no visible traces. After the procedure, minor pain and swelling can be controlled by over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. A soft or liquid diet may be recommended for a period of time following the procedure.
Following surgery, we will closely monitor your condition and help you through each phase of the treatment plan. When it's complete, you can enjoy the benefits of improved functionality and an enhanced appearance; we think you'll also find it creates positive changes in many areas of your life.