Jaw Surgery
Click here for the Corrective Jaw Surgery - Orthognathic Evaluation Form
Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) is needed when jaws do not meet correctly and/or teeth do not 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 properly.
Who needs Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery?
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.
Orthognathic Surgery Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the orthognathic surgery process, please click the image on the left. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about orthognathic surgery.
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Difficulty with the following should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- Open bite (teeth do not meet in the front)
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems
- Recessive (small) jaw
Orthognathic Surgery Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
Any of these 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 begins, a consultation is 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 (oral surgeon, dentist, and orthodontist) will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.