Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function correctly. 

 

Who is candidate for  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. While orthodontics alone can correct many bite problems if only the teeth are involved, orthognathic surgery may be required if the jaws also need repositioning.

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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 swallowing

• Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches

• Excessive wear of the teeth

• Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)

• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side

• Facial injury

• 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)

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Any of these  conditions can exist at birth or may be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or, trauma to the face. Before any treatment you will be evaluated by the orthodontist and Maxillofacial surgeon to provide you the best surgical plan.